Recent breakthroughs in photonics have propelled advancements in optical computing, imaging, and sensing technologies. Innovations include the utilization of bright hybrid excitons for precise optical spin state control and next-generation reservoir computing employing light-based systems, enhancing computational efficiency. Quantum correlation-enhanced dual-comb spectroscopy sets new precision standards in optical measurements, with applications ranging from environmental sensing to quantum communication. Additional reports detail scalable X-ray scintillators leveraging singlet-triplet hybrid excitons and flexible phase-sensitive amplification in fiber-optic transmission, marking significant strides in medical imaging and telecommunications.