Applications of Photonic Sensors in Smart Cities

Photonics is the branch of physics in which movement of light is studied through different mediums. Understanding its behaviors has led to the invention of instruments such as telescopes, cameras and microscopes as well as fiber optic cables. Optics have become omnipresent in modern life, be it in smartphones or other electronic device displays, enhanced medical examination equipment, providing high-speed Internet via optic fibers, precise manufacturing methods and improved security competencies.

The next decade may even witness a far greater impact of optical communication upon society as efficient methods to carry signal without leaving carbon footprints are sought, providing greener means to communication, realizing fully autonomous transportation, generating solar power to reduce fossil fuel usage and providing hazard-free navigation and monitoring tools in healthcare systems. Further, photonics technology and optical communication networks can be harnessed to generate innovative industries and create jobs.

There are many challenges in attaining a smart world such as legalization of technology, implementation of huge infrastructure, providing digital security, a lack of investment and political will. Photonics technology and optical communication networks can play a vital role in bridging gaps such as proposing cost-effective solutions for the provision of high-speed networks. For achieving a smart city, or a smart world, internet connectivity is an utmost requirement. Further, the internetworking of devices should be achieved using hazard-free communication methods. Thus again optics came into existence. Smart transportation needs to use sensors just like smart health.

The aim of this Research Topic is to propose methods or techniques in achieving the goal of smart cities in a smart-world goal . This includes the field of sensors for healthcare under biophotonics, sensors to be used for detection in autonomous vehicle enabling smart transportation, as well as attaining high-speed internetworks in free space optics (FSO) communication.

The scope of the Research Topic encompasses but not limited to following areas:

- Free Space Optical communication systems (inc. Photonic Radars, Radio over Free Space Optics)
- Medical and biomedical optics
- Optical instrumentation and technology (inc. detectors, metrology, sensors, lasers)
- Optical and photonic materials (inc. metamaterials)
- Quantum Optics and Quantum Information