Advances and Challenges in Free-Space Optics
A special issue of Photonics (ISSN 2304-6732). This special issue belongs to the section "Optical Communication and Network".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 June 2026 | Viewed by 4
Special Issue Editor
Interests: atmospheric laser communication; spatial optical information processing; channel coding; channel equalization; photoelectric measurement technology
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Free-space optics (FSO) is a technology that uses lasers to transmit information in free space, offering advantages such as high bandwidth, fast rates, strong anti-interference capabilities, and flexible deployment, with no need for spectrum certification. FSO has demonstrated tremendous potential in fields such as satellite communication, long-distance ground transmission, interstellar links, and emergency communications, with promising development prospects. However, FSO systems still face key challenges in practical applications, such as atmospheric turbulence, weather conditions (e.g., fog, rain, snow), alignment stability, and transmission distance limitations. In recent years, with the development of optical devices, signal processing technology, and adaptive optics, significant progress has been achieved in the speed, reliability, and application scope of FSO. This Special Issue aims to highlight recent breakthroughs in research, advance cutting-edge exploration in this field, and provide theoretical and technical support for addressing core issues in practical implementations.
This Special Issue aims to showcase the latest advances and challenges in the field of FSO, encompassing theoretical innovations, experimental validations, and system applications, among other aspects. The theme closely aligns with the journal’s scope in communications technology, optoelectronics, signal processing, and wireless networks, with a focus on areas such as high-performance optical system design, channel modeling, anti-interference techniques, intelligent optimization methods, and technology fusion (e.g., FSO/RF hybrid systems). Through this Special Issue, we hope to foster collaboration between academia and industry and promote the development of FSO technology toward higher efficiency, reliability, and practicality. Should at least 10 articles be accepted, the Special Issue may be published in book form.
This Special Issue welcomes original research articles and reviews. Submission topics include, but are not limited to, the following areas: atmospheric channel modeling and turbulence compensation techniques; design of high-performance lasers and photodetectors; adaptive optics and beam control technologies; applications of quantum optical communication in free space; and enhancement schemes for transmission under adverse weather conditions.
We look forward to receiving your contributions.
Prof. Dr. Xin Zhao
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- FSO
- channel modeling
- laser
- photodetectors
- turbulence suppression
- quantum optical communication
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