title: Quantum structures in nonlinear optics and atomic physics: a background overview.
abstract: A brief overview of quantum effects in spatial structures such as nonlinear optical patterns, chains of trapped ions and atoms in optical lattices is presented. Some of the main results of the contributions to this Focus Issue are also briefly described.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Lugiato
authors.forename: G L
authors.initials: GL
authors.lastname: Oppo