Special Symposia

Special Symposium on New Materials in Photonic Platforms: From mid-IR to UV

Chairs: Eric Tournié, University of Montpellier, France & Wim Bogaerts, Ghent University – IMEC, Belgium

Integrated Photonics has been pushed forward by the growing need for fiber-optic communications, giving rise to industrial foundry platforms in Silicon, silicon nitride and III-V semiconductors. But performance bottlenecks, as well as emerging applications in sensing, spectroscopy and information processing require the introduction of new optical materials. In this special symposium, we will explore these new material platforms that open up wavelengths from the UV to the mid-IR, the applications they can enable, and how they can technologically integrate or co-exist with existing platforms.

Special Symposium on Quantum Devices and Their Applications: From Engineering to Secure Networks

Chairs: Malin Premaratne, Monash University Clayton Australia and The University of Melbourne, Australia, Davide Bacco, University of Florence, Italy & Ludovica Ciarravano, University of Florence, Italy

The year 2025 marks the International Year of Quantum Science, celebrating a century since the birth of quantum mechanics—one of the most transformative advancements in modern technology. Quantum device technology is reshaping our daily lives, offering innovative solutions across fields such as medicine, secure communications, and the digital economy.

Secure networks powered by quantum technologies will enable a vast array of digital applications, harnessing the unique properties of quantum mechanics. This symposium will explore the fundamental design and engineering of quantum light sources and detectors and their applications in secure networks. Additionally, the workshop will offer valuable insights into the evolving governance framework for quantum security, examining its implications for key industries, such as financial services, by identifying regulatory gaps and emerging compliance challenges. The symposium will consist of sessions on Quantum Light Sources, Quantum Detectors, and Secure Networks. We invite researchers, engineers, practitioners, and students from industry, academia, and government agencies to present their latest work and engage in discussions on cutting-edge research and applications. These advancements drive progress in secure communications, ultrafast computing architectures, next-generation imaging systems, and breakthrough sensing technologies, with profound implications for defense, healthcare, and fundamental science.

Special Symposium on Hollow-core fibers vs. space-division multiplexing – is there space for both?

Chairs: Georg Rademacher, University of Stuttgart, Germany, Ruben Luis, NICT, Japan, & Nicolas Fontaine, Nokia Bell Labs, USA

The symposium aims at assessing the potential interplay between Space-division multiplexing and hollow-core fiber technologies in being the primary solution for capacity scaling in future high-speed optical fiber transmission systems. The symposium will bring together experts from industry and academia to discuss the primary application scenarios for both technologies as well as technical challenges and opportunities. It will comprise a tutorial, invited and contributed talks. An additional panel discussion will allow for ample discussion among speakers and the audience.