Integrated quantum memories based on ¹⁵¹Eu³⁺:Y₂SiO₅ crystals coupled with impedance-matched optical cavities are demonstrated. Multiplexed quantum storage efficiencies of 80.3% and 69.8% are achieved for weak coherent pulses and telecom-heralded single photons, respectively.

A general protocol for high-dimensional entangling gates is developed and applied for two four-dimensional qudits encoded in orbital angular momentum (OAM). The phase-locking technique stabilizes OAM sorters, leading to a process fidelity within a range from 0.71 to 0.85.

The researchers exploit lattice-anchoring-enhanced dynamic repair in organic–inorganic hybrid perovskites to demonstrate a single-crystal detector with a sensitivity of 165.6 μC mGy⁻¹ cm⁻³ and radiation stability under high-fluence 6-MeV X-rays (6.4 × 10¹¹ photons cm⁻²) and 1.2-MeV electrons (6 × 10¹⁶ electrons cm⁻²). The findings may have implications for diverse applications, including radiation therapy, astronomy and nuclear technology.

A stimulated Raman scattering method based on dual-band laser-induced quantum interference enables ultra broadband and rapid hyperspectral Raman imaging of biological tissue and the detection of up to 11 key biomarkers in human serum.

Treating the tin–lead surface in perovskite films with caesium hydroxide forms solid metal oxides that stabilize the surface against photothermal degradation. When used in all-perovskite tandem solar cells, a certified power conversion efficiency of 28.56% is achieved, 90% of which is retained after 500 h of testing under ISOS-L-3 conditions.

Researchers study the transition from bound states in the continuum (BICs) to quasi-BIC caused by out-of-plane asymmetry and illustrate how quality factors of BIC resonances are valuable tools for precise chip patterning accuracy.

John ‘JJ’ Joannopoulos, a pioneering condensed-matter theorist who contributed to the launch of modern nanophotonics and mentored a plethora of scientists and engineers, passed away on 17 August 2025, aged 78. In his five decades at MIT, JJ combined first-principles insights with a gift for nurturing people, shaping fields from ab initio materials theory to photonic crystals and their applications.

Characterizing and reporting photodetector performance demands common standards to ensure rigorous, reproducible and comparable practices.

In this Focus issue we highlight a selection of recent developments in super-resolution microscopy.

Super-resolution microscopy offers valuable tools to tackle biological questions. Nature Photonics spoke with Markus Sauer, from the University of Würzburg, about the advantages and outstanding challenges of super-resolution microscopy for biological applications.

The performance of super-resolution microscopy is continuously improving. Nature Photonics interviewed Stefan Hell, from the Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, about key milestones in the field, current capabilities of MINFLUX and what remains to be excited about.