Laser as a Detection: From Spectral Imaging to LiDAR for Remote Sensing Applications (2nd Edition)

Dear Colleagues,

Since the pioneering advent of the ruby laser in 1960, laser-based detection technologies have become integral to scientific discovery and industrial advancement. Once exclusive to military use, laser detection now underpins innovations in aerospace, environmental monitoring, precision manufacturing, smart transportation, biomedical diagnostics, and beyond—distinguished by its non-contact nature, exceptional accuracy, and robust anti-interference performance.

As the field evolves, the landscape of laser detection has rapidly expanded to encompass not only traditional LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) but also laser spectroscopy, laser-induced fluorescence, ultrafast laser imaging, interferometric methods, and fiber-optic sensing. Laser-based spectral imaging technologies—including single-pixel imaging, hyperspectral and multispectral imaging, and resonance fluorescence spectroscopy—offer unique capabilities for material identification, chemical analysis, and environmental diagnostics, leveraging the “spectral fingerprints” of substances across the electromagnetic spectrum. These techniques enable the comprehensive and high-resolution mapping of both spatial and spectral information, spanning from the ultraviolet to the mid-infrared, supporting applications ranging from ecological monitoring to biomedical imaging.

LiDAR, as a hallmark of laser remote sensing, continues to push the boundaries of atmospheric profiling, topographic mapping, wind field measurement, urban perception, and autonomous systems. The development of pulsed, continuous-wave, and frequency-modulated LiDAR systems allows for precise measurement of distance, velocity, and object characteristics in increasingly complex environments.

Recent advances highlight the integration of laser detection with artificial intelligence, data fusion, and real-time information processing, opening new avenues for high-throughput, miniaturized, and portable instruments. Cross-disciplinary collaboration is driving breakthroughs in photonics, materials science, micro- and nano-fabrication, environmental science, and information technology, accelerating the development of intelligent, multi-modal, and networked laser detection platforms. Standardization and open data protocols further enable interoperability and large-scale deployment, fostering international cooperation.

For this second volume of our Special Issue, “Laser as a Detection: From Spectral Imaging to LiDAR for Remote Sensing Applications (2nd Edition)”, we invite original research and review articles that advance the science and engineering of laser-based detection, sensing, and imaging. The scope includes, but is not limited to:

• Laser detection technologies and measurement methods;
• LiDAR (pulsed, CW, FM, Doppler, DIAL, Raman, etc.);
• Laser spectroscopy and chemical sensing;
• Resonance fluorescence and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy;
• Atmospheric and environmental laser remote sensing;
• Fiber optic and integrated photonic sensors;
• Optical waveguide and resonant cavity design;
• Laser metrology, interferometry, and precision engineering;
• Advances in high-power, high-coherence, and tunable lasers;
• Image and signal processing, AI-enabled data analysis;
• Standardization, data sharing, and interoperability of laser sensing systems.

Both theoretical, numerical, and experimental studies are welcome. We especially encourage submissions highlighting interdisciplinary advances, emerging applications, and innovative system integration. We look forward to your contributions that will help shape the next frontier of laser detection research and application.

Dr. Jianfeng Chen
Dr. Ming Zhao
Dr. He Tian
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 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.

• laser detection
• LiDAR
• laser spectroscopy
• remote sensing
• optical design