New Trends in Optical Imaging and Sensing Technologies

Dear Colleagues,

Optical imaging and sensing technologies are experiencing significant advancements, driven by the need for higher resolution, greater sensitivity, and enhanced functionalities in various fields such as medical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and industrial applications. Particularly, enabled by innovations in devices, materials, fabrication techniques, and computational methods, recent trends highlight the development of fast and high-resolution imaging systems, hyperspectral imaging, computational and adaptive optics, fiber optics sensors, and novel photonic materials, and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into optical systems to enhance the design, image processing and data interpretation. Additionally, the miniaturization of optical components is leading to more compact and portable devices, expanding the accessibility and usability of these technologies in remote and resource-limited settings.

Several highlighted regions for the Special Issue (SI) include the following:

• Ultrafast and high-speed imaging: leveraging femtosecond lasers and advanced photodetectors to achieve unprecedented temporal resolution.
• High-resolution and super-resolution microscopy: dramatically increasing the ability to observe fine details at the nanoscale, surpassing the diffraction limit of light, allowing scientists to observe features, such as cellular processes, in unprecedented detail.
• Integration of AI with optical sensing technologies: AI-driven, machine learning (ML) algorithms enhance image reconstruction, noise reduction, and data interpretation, enabling more accurate and faster diagnostics. This is particularly transformative in medical imaging, where AI can assist in early disease detection and personalized treatment planning.
• Development of novel sensor designs and materials: new sensors, such as fiber sensors, and novel materials, such as nanophotonic materials, have opened new possibilities in optical sensing. The designs and materials can uniquely manipulate light, leading to the creation of highly sensitive and selective sensors, particularly beneficial in detecting low concentrations of substances in environmental and biomedical contexts.
• Miniaturization of optical devices: by making components into portable and wearable devices, optical sensing technologies can be more capable, accessible and versatile. This trend facilitates endoscopy, real-time monitoring, and diagnostics in diverse settings, from point-of-care health monitoring to environmental surveillance.

Overall, these trends in optical imaging and sensing technologies are pushing the boundaries of scientific research and providing practical solutions for real-world challenges, leading to improved outcomes in health, environment, and industry.

Dr. Zhe Guang
Guest Editor

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