Emerging Technology in Laser Scanning

Dear Colleagues,

Laser scanning technology is at the forefront of high-precision data acquisition and imaging, data writing, display, and material processing, transforming industries such as architecture, autonomous navigation, precision metrology, and advanced manufacturing. State-of-the-art laser scanners deliver unparalleled precision in high-resolution point cloud generation, advanced imaging, and processing, enabling intricate 3D modeling, real-time analysis, and seamless integration in diverse applications. These innovations eclipse conventional techniques by providing rapid, non-contact data acquisition, superior visualization, and enhanced accuracy across fields such as precision metrology, autonomous navigation, and advanced manufacturing.

Emerging technologies, including LiDAR, frequency combs, silicon photonics, and AI-driven optical metrology, are significantly broadening the applications of laser scanning. Innovations in hardware miniaturization and cloud-based platforms enhance accessibility, facilitating compact, field-deployable systems and seamless data sharing. These developments unlock new possibilities for applications ranging from cultural heritage preservation to autonomous navigation and precision manufacturing.

This Special Issue aims to present a comprehensive overview of cutting-edge research visions, results, and their applications. We welcome broad, visionary contributions, including research reports and comprehensive reviews of recent accomplishments. We invite researchers to submit their work to this Special Issue, contributing to the advancement of this dynamic field.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Precision metrology;
• Nanomanufacturing;
• Lidar;
• Frequency combs;
• Optical encoder;
• Confocal laser scanning;
• Silicon photonics;
• Femtosecond laser;
• AI-driven optical metrology;
• Machine vision.

Dr. Xin Xiong
Dr. Xinghui Li
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Photonics is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• precision metrology
• nanomanufacturing
• lidar
• frequency combs
• optical encoder
• confocal laser scanning
• silicon photonics
• femtosecond laser
• AI-driven optical metrology
• machine vision