Emerging Trends in Laser Diagnostics
A special issue of Photonics (ISSN 2304-6732). This special issue belongs to the section "Optical Interaction Science".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 March 2026 | Viewed by 4
Special Issue Editor
Interests: laser diagnostics; laser development; mid-IR lasers; fiber lasers; combustion diagnostics; breath analysis; intracavity absorption spectroscopy
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
The field of laser diagnostics is currently undergoing a transformative period, driven by profound advancements in laser source technology, sophisticated detection methods, and the increasing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). These synergistic developments are revolutionizing our ability to probe chemical and physical phenomena with unprecedented sensitivity, speed, and spatial resolution across a remarkable range of applications.
Laser-based diagnostics techniques are now able to exploit advanced light sources and analysis algorithms to precisely interrogate the unique spectral fingerprints of atomic and molecular species. The key developments in laser technologies include quantum-cascade lasers, novel direct mid-infrared and THz laser sources, frequency combs, and supercontinuum generation in hollow-core optical fibers. These innovations have already enabled new measurement techniques (such as dual-comb spectroscopy and interferometry, or THz spectroscopy) and will surely continue expanding the laser diagnostics toolbox. The ongoing integration of AI and ML will further accelerate this progress by exploiting advanced algorithms to automatically extract features from complex spectra and images, leading to improved quantification and classification, as well as reduced measurements times.
Looking ahead, the development of integrated photonic sensors, ultrashort-pulse LIDAR, and hybrid “smart” instruments will further boost speed, sensitivity, and field deployability. These ongoing trends promise a future where laser diagnostics (particularly laser spectroscopy) are faster, more versatile, and applicable—from lab-on-chip bioprobes to Earth-scale atmospheric monitoring—fundamentally enhancing our understanding and control of complex systems.
This Special Issue focuses on emerging trends in laser diagnostics and the corresponding applications in such fields as plasma and combustion diagnostics, biomedical analysis, environmental monitoring, and non-destructive testing.
We invite you to submit original research articles or reviews and we look forward to receiving your contributions.
Dr. Peter Fjodorow
Guest Editor
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 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.
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-blind 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
- laser spectroscopy
- artificial intelligence and machine learning
- dual-comb spectroscopy
- quantum-cascade lasers
- mid-infrared and thz systems
- plasma diagnostics
- biomedical applications
- environmental monitoring
- combustion diagnostics
- non-destructive testing
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
- Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
- Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
- Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
- External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
- Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.
Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.
