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Photonics
Special Issues
Advances in Micro and Nano-Photonics: Emerging Materials and Applications
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Advances in Micro and Nano-Photonics: Emerging Materials and Applications

A special issue of Photonics (ISSN 2304-6732). This special issue belongs to the section "Optoelectronics and Optical Materials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2026 | Viewed by 8608

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Nikita Toropov

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Optoelectronics Research Centre, University of Southampton, University Road, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
Interests: photonics; microresonator; optical fiber; nanoparticle; plasmon; sensing; laser
Dr. Aneesh Veluthandath

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Optoelectronics Research Centre, University of Southampton, University Road, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
Interests: whispering gallery modes; micro and nanolasers; photonic nanojet; metasurfaces; Raman spectroscopy; biosensors; infrared spectroscopy
Dr. Maria Mukhina

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Physics, University of Maryland, 4296 Stadium Dr, College Park, MD 20742, USA
Interests: biological physics; intracellular mechanics; nanobiotechnology; microscopy; nanophysics

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The field of micro and nano-photonics is rapidly evolving, driven by the development of innovative materials and devices that operate at increasingly smaller scales. This special issue focuses on giving a comprehensive overview of latest advances in micro- and nano-photonics, with a particular emphasis on emerging materials, meso and nano photonics, and novel applications.

Recent breakthroughs in the synthesis and characterization of photonic materials have led to significant improvements in device performance, as well as a broadening of their applications. This issue will showcase a range of topics, including:

  • Synthesis, characterization, spectroscopy, and applications of nanoparticles
  • Synthesis, characterization, spectroscopy and applications of 2D materials
  • Spectroscopy of hybrid materials, complexes, atomic and molecular clusters, and molecular aggregates
  • Photonics of chiral micro and nanostructures
  • Photonics of anisotropic micro and nanostructures
  • Nanoand microparticles in biological research and medical diagnostics
  • Light-matter interaction in biology and medicine
  • Light-matter interaction at the mesoscale
  • Light-emitting nanostructures, nano- and microlasers
  • Photonic sensors and biosensors
  • Single-particle and single-molecule studies
  • Optical manipulation of nanoparticles and molecules, optical forces

Together, will also explore the potential of these emerging research areas to revolutionize industries such as healthcare and environmental monitoring. We invite you to contribute your cutting-edge results to this issue, highlighting the promising future of micro- and nano-photonics in fundamental research and practical applications.

Dr. Nikita Toropov
Dr. Aneesh Veluthandath
Dr. Maria Mukhina
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-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

  • nanoparticle
  • microparticle
  • emission
  • laser
  • chirality
  • anisotropy
  • sensor
  • diagnostics
  • biomedicine
  • light-matter interaction
  • optical manipulation

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  • 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.

Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 2388 KB  
Article
Bandgap Simulations in Randomized 3D Photonic Crystal Supercells
by Marcus Hall and Chris E. Finlayson
Photonics 2026, 13(3), 251; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics13030251 - 4 Mar 2026
Viewed by 351
Abstract
Periodic supercell lattice structures with elements of random polydispersity disorder were created to simulate the effect of randomization on photonic crystals using finite-difference time domain (FDTD) methods. As a key exemplar system, a three-dimensional “inverse opal” structure of a face-centered cubic lattice with [...] Read more.
Periodic supercell lattice structures with elements of random polydispersity disorder were created to simulate the effect of randomization on photonic crystals using finite-difference time domain (FDTD) methods. As a key exemplar system, a three-dimensional “inverse opal” structure of a face-centered cubic lattice with air spheres in a silicon dielectric was simulated, with sphere radii within supercells following a randomized Gaussian distribution, with characteristic standard deviation and mean. A corresponding ordered lattice with a bandgap with magnitude 3.5% of the normalized frequency range was used as a direct control, with sphere radius 0.34 times the lattice constant a. For a range of standard deviations, up to 5.9% of the 0.34a mean, a Monte Carlo-style approach was adopted, with photonic band properties analyzed over a large number of repeat simulations to ensure statistical significance. The corresponding Gaussian distribution in the resultant photonic bandgap magnitudes is broadened with increasing polydispersity such that an evolving fraction of simulations no longer exhibits a non-zero bandgap. A characteristic pseudo-transition occurs at a standard deviation of approximately 4.1% of the 0.34a mean, above where the frequency of simulations still returning a finite bandgap rapidly diminishes. Some isolated configurations, with a high degree of uniqueness, can exhibit enhanced bandgap properties (greater than the 3.5% benchmark) despite considerable polydisperse disordering; we envisage that these findings point towards the use of engineered randomness in supercell systems to create desired photonic crystal properties and functionality, such as localization and photonic bandgaps. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Micro and Nano-Photonics: Emerging Materials and Applications)
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9 pages, 1226 KB  
Communication
J-Aggregate-Enhanced Hybrid Nanoporous Alumina for Resonator-Free Amplified Emission
by Evgeniia O. Soloveva, Nikita Toropov and Anton A. Starovoytov
Photonics 2025, 12(4), 330; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics12040330 - 1 Apr 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1386
Abstract
This study explores the development and optical characterization of a hybrid material combining nanoporous anodic alumina with J-aggregates of pseudoisocyanine dyes, highlighting its potential for photonic applications in bright broadband sources. The hybrid material was synthesized by impregnating an alumina matrix with a [...] Read more.
This study explores the development and optical characterization of a hybrid material combining nanoporous anodic alumina with J-aggregates of pseudoisocyanine dyes, highlighting its potential for photonic applications in bright broadband sources. The hybrid material was synthesized by impregnating an alumina matrix with a dye solution, which facilitated a thermally stimulated self-assembly process for the formation of J-aggregates. The incorporation of J-aggregates within the matrix was confirmed through several independent optical measurement techniques. A distinct absorption peak and corresponding luminescence signal were attributed to J-aggregate formation, while energy transfer from the alumina’s intrinsic oxygen vacancy centers to the dye aggregates was observed under specific excitation conditions. Amplified spontaneous emission was achieved under pulsed laser excitation, characterized by spectral narrowing and a nonlinear increase in emission intensity beyond a critical pump threshold, indicative of a similarity with random lasing facilitated by scattering within the porous structure. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Micro and Nano-Photonics: Emerging Materials and Applications)
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Review

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39 pages, 5402 KB  
Review
Characterisation of TiO2- and Fe2O3-Based Nanocomposites by Photothermal Techniques for Potential Application as Photocatalysts for Water Purification Purposes
by Aarti Gupta, Rim Zgueb and Dorota Korte
Photonics 2026, 13(4), 313; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics13040313 - 24 Mar 2026
Viewed by 148
Abstract
Organic dye-, pharmaceutical-, and heavy metal-contaminated water are emerging environmental issues, and thus there is a requirement for the development of efficient and sustainable purification methods. Semiconductor (SmC) material-based photocatalysis using TiO2 and Fe2O3 nanostructures is considered a promising [...] Read more.
Organic dye-, pharmaceutical-, and heavy metal-contaminated water are emerging environmental issues, and thus there is a requirement for the development of efficient and sustainable purification methods. Semiconductor (SmC) material-based photocatalysis using TiO2 and Fe2O3 nanostructures is considered a promising field for pollutant degradation due to its chemical stability, nontoxicity, and ability to perform photocatalytic degradation using light irradiation. Understanding the thermal, optical, and charge transport properties governing their photocatalytic activity requires advanced characterisation methods. In this context, photothermal (PT) techniques provide powerful tools for probing non-radiative processes and energy transport in photocatalytic materials. The photocatalytic activity of these materials strongly depends on their structural, optical, thermal, and electronic properties. These properties can be enhanced through several modification strategies, including metal and non-metal doping (e.g., C, N, Cu, Ag, Au), surface modification, forming a complex with SiO2, and the formation of Fe2O3–TiO2 heterostructure nanocomposites. In this review, a comprehensive overview is provided of TiO2 and Fe2O3-based nanocomposites with a specific focus on characterisation techniques for photothermal characterisation techniques, including thermal lens spectroscopy (TLS), beam deflection spectrometry (BDS), and photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS), for determining thermal diffusivity, thermal conductivity, bandgap energy, carrier lifetime, surface roughness, porosity, etc., which are related to photocatalytic activity. The properties of these nanocomposites are correlated with photocatalytic activity for pollutant degradation using these nanocomposites. The challenges faced while using these nanocomposites for pollutant degradation are also discussed, along with future prospects for designing efficient photocatalysts for water purification applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Micro and Nano-Photonics: Emerging Materials and Applications)
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36 pages, 5120 KB  
Review
Enhancing Optoelectronic Performance Through Rare-Earth-Doped ZnO: Insights and Applications
by Shagun Sood, Pawan Kumar, Isha Raina, Mrinmoy Misra, Sandeep Kaushal, Jyoti Gaur, Sanjeev Kumar and Gurjinder Singh
Photonics 2025, 12(5), 454; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics12050454 - 8 May 2025
Cited by 30 | Viewed by 5995
Abstract
Rare-earth (RE) doping has been found to be a potent method to improve the structural, optical, electronic, and magnetic properties of ZnO, positioning it as a versatile material for future optoelectronic devices. This review herein thoroughly discusses the latest developments in RE-doped ZnO [...] Read more.
Rare-earth (RE) doping has been found to be a potent method to improve the structural, optical, electronic, and magnetic properties of ZnO, positioning it as a versatile material for future optoelectronic devices. This review herein thoroughly discusses the latest developments in RE-doped ZnO based on the role of the dopant type, concentration, synthesis method, and consequences of property modifications. The 4f electronic states of rare-earth elements create strong visible emissions, control charge carriers, and design defects. These structural changes lead to tunable bandgap energies and increased light absorption. Also, RE doping considerably enhances ZnO’s performance in electronic devices, like UV photodetectors, LEDs, TCOs, and gas sensors. Though, challenges like solubility constraints and lattice distortions at higher doping concentrations are still key challenges. Co-doping methodologies and new synthesis techniques to further optimize the incorporation of RE into ZnO matrices are also reviewed in this article. By showing a systematic comparison of different RE-doped ZnO systems, this paper sheds light on their future optoelectronic applications. The results are useful for the design of advanced ZnO-based materials with customized functionalities, which will lead to enhanced device efficiency and new photonic applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Micro and Nano-Photonics: Emerging Materials and Applications)
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