WOMBAT 2026 will feature a diverse range of sessions covering the latest advancements and emerging trends in optomechanics and Brillouin scattering. This workshop aims to foster collaboration across disciplines, bridging fundamental research and practical applications.
Key topics include, but are not limited to:
New Materials and Platforms
This topic covers advancements in novel materials and emerging platforms such as chalcogenide glasses, silicon photonics, lithium niobate and other hybrid and heterogeneous platforms, with a focus on enhanced optomechanical effects and Brillouin nonlinearities.
Cavity Optomechanics
This topic explores the physics and engineering of optomechanical cavities, including whispering-gallery modes, photonic-crystal resonators, and membrane systems. It also covers controlling mechanical motion with light, back-action cooling, and novel techniques for enhancing light-sound interactions.
Quantum, Coherent, and Cold Brillouin
This topic highlights quantum Brillouin systems and coherent control in optomechanics, with a focus on phonon-photon interactions at the quantum level. Topics include Brillouin-based quantum memory, phonon lasers, and exploring Brillouin scattering in extreme regimes, including cryogenic and ultracold environments.
Optical Tweezers and Levitation
This topic explores cutting-edge techniques in Brillouin-based manipulation of micro- and nano-particles. This topic covers advancements in optical tweezers, levitation systems, and acousto-optic control, with applications ranging from precision metrology to quantum sensing.
Bio-Brillouin
This topic investigates the growing applications of Brillouin scattering in biomedical sciences. It covers Brillouin microscopy for imaging biological tissues, studying mechanical properties of cells, and label-free diagnostics, with an emphasis on in vivo and clinical applications.
Sensing
This topic discusses novel Brillouin-based sensors and optomechanical devices for applications in strain, temperature, pressure, and biochemical sensing. Emphasis will be placed on distributed sensing, ultra-sensitive detection, and new platforms for remote and real-time measurements.
Signal Processing
This topic explores how Brillouin interactions are advancing signal processing techniques, including phase modulation, delay lines, frequency combs, and optomechanical signal transduction. It covers innovations that improve bandwidth, sensitivity, and low-noise performance.
Lasers and Amplifiers
This topic examines Brillouin-based lasers and amplifiers, including advancements in narrow-linewidth sources, Brillouin dynamic gratings, and stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) devices. This topic will highlight breakthroughs in on-chip Brillouin lasers, high-power optical amplifiers, and new methods for frequency stabilization.
Open Topics
We welcome submissions on any topic related to optomechanics and Brillouin scattering beyond the listed categories. If your work pushes the boundaries of these fields or opens new research directions, we encourage you to share your insights at WOMBAT 2026.
