Recent Advances in Imaging and Non-Imaging Optical Technologies
A special issue of Photonics (ISSN 2304-6732). This special issue belongs to the section "New Applications Enabled by Photonics Technologies and Systems".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 January 2027 | Viewed by 1029
Special Issue Editor
Interests: fringe projection profilometry; image highlight suppression; non-imaging optics; phase-measuring deflectometry
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
The distinction between imaging and non-imaging optics has long defined two fundamental pathways for harnessing light—one focused on capturing and reproducing information, the other on shaping and directing luminous energy for functional purposes. Today, these once-separate domains are converging in unprecedented ways, driven by advances in design freedom, fabrication precision, and computational power. This cross-pollination is enabling a new generation of optical systems that are more compact, versatile, and intelligent than ever before.
This Special Issue aims to capture the breadth and dynamism of this evolving landscape. We seek to highlight innovative works that push the boundaries of optical design, measurement, and application. This includes advancements in areas such as structured light for 3D sensing, freeform and diffractive optical design, computational imaging, precision metrology, advanced illumination systems, and the integration of optics with intelligent processing algorithms. Submissions that advance core methodologies within each domain, as well as those that explore their synergistic combination in novel systems, are equally welcome.
We welcome original research articles, authoritative reviews, and significant case studies that present novel results, methodologies, or insightful perspectives. Contributions from all career stages are encouraged.
By consolidating cutting-edge work from these critical areas, this Special Issue aims to serve as a valuable reference and inspire future innovation. We look forward to receiving your submissions.
Sincerely,
Dr. Xiang Sun
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 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-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
- structured light projection
- 3D shape measurement
- freeform optics
- non-imaging optics
- optical design and optimization
- computational imaging
- phase measurement and deflectometry
- computer vision and pattern recognition
- metrology and inspection
- illumination design
- machine/deep learning in optics
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.
