Next-Generation Free-Space Optical Communication: Systems, Networks, and Signal Processing
A special issue of Photonics (ISSN 2304-6732). This special issue belongs to the section "Optical Communication and Network".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2026 | Viewed by 746
Special Issue Editors
Interests: free-space optical communication; adaptive optics; underwater wireless optical communications; phase retrieval; optical neural networking
Interests: free-space optical communication; coded modulation; constellation shaping; physical layer security; signal processing algorithms; artificial intelligence algorithms
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Free-space optical (FSO) communication has emerged as a transformative solution bridging the gap between high-capacity fiber systems and flexible wireless networks. Leveraging the vast unlicensed optical spectrum, FSO enables ultra-high-speed, low-latency, and secure data transmission across diverse environments—from terrestrial and aerial links to underwater and inter-satellite connections. Recent advances in micro/nano-photonics, adaptive optics, and intelligent signal processing have accelerated the evolution of next-generation FSO systems, addressing long-standing challenges such as turbulence-induced fading, misalignment, and dynamic link variability.
This Special Issue, “Next-Generation Free-Space Optical Communication: Systems, Networks, and Signal Processing,” aims to highlight the latest breakthroughs, methodologies, and architectures that redefine the potential of optical wireless communications. We welcome original research articles and comprehensive reviews from academia and industry that explore novel system designs, hybrid FSO–RF networks, intelligent modulation and detection strategies, and advanced photonic integration for robust, scalable, and energy-efficient FSO links.
Topics of Interest
- Advanced FSO system design and link optimization;
- Optical beam shaping, adaptive optics, and turbulence mitigation;
- Hybrid FSO–RF and FSO–fiber integrated networks;
- Intelligent signal processing and AI/ML-assisted modulation and detection;
- Photonic integrated circuits and optoelectronic front-end design;
- Acquisition, tracking, and pointing module for FSO communication system;
- High-speed transceivers for near-Earth and deep-space communication;
- Quantum and secure key distribution in free-space channels;
- Optical networking for UAVs, satellites, and deep-sea nodes;
- Channel modeling and system-level performance evaluation;
- Energy-efficient and self-healing optical wireless networks;
- Underwater wireless optical communication systems and modulation techniques;
- Cross-medium optical communication between air, surface, and underwater platforms.
Dr. Lei Zhu
Dr. Jianxin Ren
Dr. Huan Chang
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
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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
- free-space optical communication
- adaptive optics
- intelligent signal processing
- photonic integration
- turbulence mitigation
- quantum optical communication
- deep space optical communications
- Li-Fi
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