Neural Networks in Optical Communications and Optical Computing: Implementation, Applications, and Prospects
A special issue of Photonics (ISSN 2304-6732). This special issue belongs to the section "Optical Communication and Network".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 August 2026 | Viewed by 3286
Editors
Interests: intelligent optical network
Interests: optical networks; underwater communication networks; network optimization; network sensors; machine learning
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Interests: communication network; network security; machine learning system
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
In recent years, the convergence of artificial intelligence and photonic technologies has opened new frontiers in the design, optimization, and control of optical networks. Neural networks are increasingly being leveraged to enhance network performance and automate management. Meanwhile, photonic neural networks, built upon the inherent advantages of ultrafast and energy-efficient photonic computing, are emerging as a promising paradigm for real-time signal processing and intelligent decision-making directly in the optical domain. This Special Issue aims to provide a platform for researchers to share their latest advances, experimental demonstrations, and theoretical developments in the integration of neural networks and photonic technologies for optical networking. Contributions addressing innovative architectures, algorithms, devices, and applications are particularly encouraged. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:
- AI-driven optical network control, optimization, and management;
- Neural network-based fault diagnosis and performance prediction;
- Photonic neural networks for high-speed signal processing;
- Optical computing and machine learning accelerators;
- Hybrid electronic–photonic architectures for intelligent communications;
- Learning-based optical network design and resource allocation;
- Hardware implementations and experimental demonstrations;
- Emerging trends in intelligent, self-adaptive optical networks.
Articles, perspectives, and reviews are all welcome.
Dr. Zhiqun Gu
Dr. Ruikun Wang
Dr. Qiaolun Zhang
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.
Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-anonymized peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Photonics is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.
Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.
Keywords
- neural networks
- photonic neural networks
- optical networks
- artificial intelligence
- photonics
- optical signal processing
- intelligent optical communications
- optical computing
- optical fiber systems
- machine learning in photonics
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