The launch addresses a growing divide in quantum publishing. Much of the existing literature focuses on fundamental theory, mathematical models, or highly controlled demonstrations of quantum behavior. While this work remains essential, many researchers are now confronting a different set of challenges: how to manufacture quantum devices reliably, preserve delicate quantum states, integrate optical components, reduce system noise, and operate complex platforms outside specialized research environments. AQP is positioning itself as a venue for studies that examine these practical questions alongside the underlying science, creating a bridge between quantum physics and deployable technology.

Quantum photonics uses individual particles of light, or photons, to generate, transmit, process, and measure quantum information. Unlike classical optical signals, quantum states can encode information through properties such as polarization, phase, arrival time, and path. Photons can also exhibit entanglement, a uniquely quantum correlation that links measurement outcomes even when particles are separated. These characteristics make photonic systems promising for secure communications, precision sensing, quantum computing, and the exchange of information between quantum processors. Yet the same states that give quantum systems their power are often extremely fragile, making the transition from proof-of-concept experiments to stable devices a demanding engineering task.

AQP is seeking contributions that show how quantum research can function in real technological settings. The journal will welcome work involving quantum materials, optical sources, detectors, components, architectures, and complete systems, particularly when studies explain the path from experimental result to implementation. Researchers are encouraged to describe technological context, identify engineering limitations, and discuss the applications their work could ultimately support. Such details may include the efficiency and stability of a photon source, the performance of a single-photon detector, the losses introduced by an optical circuit, or the methods used to control and measure a quantum device with high precision.

The emphasis on implementation reflects the rapid expansion of the quantum technology sector. Quantum communication platforms are being developed to distribute information through quantum states of light, while quantum sensors are being explored for applications ranging from navigation and medical imaging to geological surveys and environmental monitoring. Photonic approaches are also being investigated for quantum computing, where optical elements can generate and manipulate quantum states. In each case, progress depends not only on demonstrating a quantum effect but also on solving practical problems involving fabrication, packaging, calibration, scalability, energy consumption, and compatibility with existing telecommunications or computing infrastructure.

“ We are thrilled to invite the global research community to share their most groundbreaking discoveries in Advanced Quantum Photonics,” said Uriel Levy, the journal’s editor-in-chief. He described the publication as a dedicated platform for work emerging as quantum technologies move from foundational physics toward practical applications. According to Levy, optics and photonics are central to this transition because they provide the tools used to create, control, transmit, and detect quantum states. He also emphasized that SPIE’s peer-review process, international reach, and publishing infrastructure are intended to give authors broad visibility while maintaining rigorous scientific evaluation.

The journal’s scope is also designed to bring different communities into closer contact. Quantum research increasingly involves physicists, optical engineers, materials scientists, computer scientists, electrical engineers, manufacturers, and technology developers. An academic group may develop a new material for producing single photons, while an industrial team may be focused on integrating that material into a compact device. By encouraging contributions from industry as well as universities and national laboratories, AQP aims to highlight the full chain of development, from materials and components to demonstrations that operate under realistic conditions. Each issue is expected to include contributions from the quantum industry, including implementation and application demonstrations.

SPIE’s decision to establish the journal follows the society’s expanding involvement in quantum science and technology. The organization has added Quantum West to the Photonics West program and has also developed Quantum Catalyst, extending its conference activities into a field that is attracting major scientific and commercial investment. These initiatives provide researchers with opportunities to present emerging work, exchange technical knowledge, and build collaborations. AQP is intended to offer a natural publication route for research presented at such events, particularly studies whose focus is practical development rather than purely theoretical analysis.

The journal will also consider proposals for review articles and perspectives that evaluate progress across quantum materials, components, and systems. These contributions are expected to examine not only advances but also limitations, unresolved technical barriers, and opportunities for future research. That perspective could be especially valuable in a field where impressive demonstrations can sometimes obscure the difficulty of achieving repeatable performance at scale. Clear assessments of reliability, error sources, manufacturing constraints, and application requirements may help researchers distinguish between promising laboratory results and technologies ready for wider adoption.

For authors, SPIE is offering open-access publication at no cost during the journal’s first two years, a policy intended to increase the visibility and international circulation of accepted research. Open access allows readers to consult published studies without a subscription, potentially enabling faster exchange among academic groups, companies, policymakers, and the broader public. Manuscripts can be submitted through the SPIE Digital Library, which hosts the society’s journals, conference proceedings, and books. With quantum technologies developing across national and disciplinary boundaries, the new publication is seeking to become a central forum for research that explains not only what quantum devices can do, but also how they can be engineered to work in the real world.

Subject of Research: Applied quantum photonics, including quantum materials, components, systems, implementation challenges, and practical applications.

Article Title: SPIE Opens Submissions for Advanced Quantum Photonics, a New Journal for Applied Quantum Research

News Publication Date: 13 August 2026

Web References: SPIE; Advanced Quantum Photonics; Quantum West; Quantum Catalyst

References: SPIE announcement concerning the launch and submission opening of Advanced Quantum Photonics.

Image Credits: SPIE

Keywords

Quantum photonics, quantum technology, photonics, quantum computing, quantum communication, quantum sensing, quantum materials, optical engineering, SPIE, peer-reviewed journals, open access, applied physics

Morandotti’s research career, distinguished by an impressive publication record exceeding 350 peer-reviewed articles, embodies a deep commitment to pushing the limits of quantum photonics. His efforts have been pivotal in overcoming long-standing technical barriers, such as the inherent instability of photon-based quantum signals and the integration challenges posed by complex optical architectures. By innovating miniaturized photonic platforms compatible with existing telecommunications infrastructures, he has unlocked new possibilities for deploying quantum technologies on scales previously considered impractical.

At the core of this achievement is Morandotti’s focus on entanglement generation, a quantum phenomenon where particles such as photons become intrinsically linked, regardless of distance, enabling phenomena impossible under classical physics. This property holds enormous promise for quantum communication, particularly in the realm of quantum key distribution (QKD), which facilitates ultra-secure information exchange immune to eavesdropping. Morandotti’s advancements in creating stable, high-quality entangled photons using integrated photonic circuits represent a crucial step toward real-world quantum networks capable of safeguarding sensitive data at unprecedented speeds.

The 2025 IEEE Photonics Society Quantum Electronics Award also recognizes his leadership as the scientific head of the Ultrahigh Speed Light Manipulation Laboratory and his tenure as the Canada Research Chair in Smart Photonics. Through these roles, Morandotti has spearheaded initiatives that combine non-linear optics with quantum engineering, nurturing innovations that blend fundamental physics with scalable technological applications. His work enables complex quantum states to be precisely controlled and processed, setting the foundation for advanced quantum simulation, enhanced metrology techniques, and the integration of photonics into artificial intelligence frameworks.

This prestigious award will be formally presented during the IEEE Photonics Conference in Singapore, underscoring the global significance of Morandotti’s research. His pioneering efforts are not only acknowledged among the quantum optics community but have also garnered international media attention, testament to the broad implications of his work beyond academia. Notably, his technologies contribute to bridging the gap between laboratory prototypes and commercial quantum networks, a critical threshold for the widespread adoption of quantum information science.

Morandotti’s academic journey, which began with a Master’s degree from the University of Genova and a Ph.D. from the University of Glasgow, followed by postdoctoral research at premier institutions such as the Weizmann Institute of Science and the University of Toronto, has equipped him with a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical expertise. Since joining INRS in 2003, he has cultivated a research environment conducive to multidisciplinary exploration, promoting cross-pollination between physics, engineering, and computer science to tackle the nuances of quantum photonic systems.

His prolific contributions include numerous patents and the co-founding of Ki3 Photonics, a spin-off company that translates quantum photonic research into commercial solutions designed for straightforward integration with existing fiber-optic communication infrastructure. This entrepreneurship exemplifies the tangible impact of his research, moving quantum technologies from theoretical constructs to deployable systems capable of transforming telecommunications security paradigms worldwide.

Beyond his scientific output, Professor Morandotti has demonstrated exceptional mentorship, guiding more than 200 students and postdoctoral fellows. Many of his protégés have secured prestigious academic and research positions globally, including Canada Research Chairs and European Research Council grantees. His mentorship has been recognized by the Canadian Association of Graduate Studies, reflecting his commitment to nurturing the next generation of quantum scientists and engineers.

The significance of Morandotti’s research lies in its visionary approach to quantum photonics, a pivotal technology for future information systems. By tackling the challenges of photonic integration, stability, and scalability, his work facilitates the transition from experimental setups to robust, high-performance quantum devices capable of tackling complex computational problems, enhancing sensor precision, and enabling secure global communication networks.

In addition to technical innovation, Morandotti’s research addresses the broader system-level integration required for practical quantum technological deployment. His systems demonstrate compatibility with contemporary telecommunication standards, a strategic alignment that dramatically reduces the barriers for quantum devices’ market entry. This approach embodies a pragmatic vision that balances groundbreaking science with realistic engineering constraints.

The progress achieved under his leadership foreshadows a future where quantum networks become ubiquitous, supporting applications ranging from confidential communication to distributed quantum computing. By developing photonic technologies that exploit entanglement and complex quantum state processing within chip-scale platforms, Morandotti’s work also catalyzes advancements in quantum simulation methods and novel algorithms capable of addressing unsolvable problems by classical computers.

INRS, where Professor Morandotti directs much of his groundbreaking research, stands at the forefront of graduate-level scientific training and innovation in Quebec. The institute emphasizes strategic sectors such as energy, telecommunications, environment, and health sciences, aligning with Morandotti’s contributions to quantum photonics. His award offers a testament to the institution’s status as a hub of high-impact scientific endeavor and a catalyst for technological breakthroughs with global reach.

In conclusion, Roberto Morandotti’s receipt of the IEEE Photonics Society Quantum Electronics Award is a landmark event spotlighting the convergence of quantum optics and photonics toward transformative, real-world technologies. His visionary research, combining theoretical insights and practical implementation, not only expands the horizons of quantum science but also accelerates the integration of quantum devices into everyday telecommunications infrastructure. As the era of quantum technologies dawns, Morandotti’s leadership and innovations will undoubtedly remain central to inspiring and shaping the future of secure, scalable quantum information systems worldwide.

Subject of Research: Quantum Photonics, Entanglement Generation, Integrated Photonic Quantum Devices, Quantum Communication Technologies

Article Title: Professor Roberto Morandotti Honored with IEEE Photonics Society Quantum Electronics Award for Groundbreaking Advances in Quantum Photonics

News Publication Date: June 27, 2025

Web References:

• Roberto Morandotti at INRS
• IEEE Photonics Society Quantum Electronics Award
• INRS
• IEEE Photonics Society

Image Credits: Josée Lecompte

Keywords

Quantum Photonics, Entangled Photons, Integrated Photonic Circuits, Quantum Communication, Nonlinear Optics, Quantum Networks, Quantum Key Distribution, Quantum Simulation, Photonic Devices, Telecommunication Integration, Quantum Metrology, Smart Photonics, Professor Roberto Morandotti