Integrated photonics has emerged as a transformative field over the past two decades, enabling a multitude of advanced information processing applications. Traditionally dominated by electronics, complex computing and processing tasks are now being revolutionized by photonics, which offers energy-efficient and high-speed solutions. The field encompasses a wide range of applications, including photonic computing, photonic memories, optical neural networks, AI chipsets, photonic quantum computing, RF and optical beamforming, and MIMO processing for 5G/6G communications and sensing. Recent advancements in nanofabrication techniques have facilitated the development of diverse integrated optics platforms, such as silicon and silicon compound technologies, thin film dielectric crystals, and glass. These platforms enable the integration of numerous components within a single Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) device. Complementary technologies, such as fiber-based architectures and monolithic micro-optics assemblies, further enhance the capabilities of on-chip photonic technologies. Despite significant progress, challenges remain, including the development of fast modulators, efficient switching devices, and the minimization of optical losses. Additionally, the integration of advanced photodetectors and the realization of hybrid platforms with active components and light sources are critical areas requiring further research.

This Research Topic aims to address the aforementioned challenges by providing a comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art research in integrated photonics for information processing applications. The primary objectives include exploring the development of individual components, such as modulators, switches, and transceivers, as well as sophisticated system architectures. Specific questions to be answered include how to achieve efficient deployment of linear and non-linear transformations at the chip scale and how to utilize the rich dimensional pool of optics, including space, time, frequency, polarization, and wavelengths. Hypotheses to be tested involve the efficacy of new architectural paradigms and the potential for integrated photonics to outperform traditional electronic systems in various applications.

To gather further insights into the boundaries of integrated photonics for information processing, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
• Digital optical computing and Photonic DSP;
• Quantum computing;
• Analog photonic computing;
• Photonic neural networks;
• Optical beamformers;
• Optical phase arrays for lidar/radar applications;
• Optical processing for communication and sensing;
• Photonic DACs/ADCs;
• Unitary and universal linear optics;
• Photonic memories;
• Photonic hardware accelerators;
• AI and Deep Learning using integrated photonics.

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Frontiers in Photonics

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