Quantum and classical frameworks form two perspectives for describing physical systems. Their formulation also presents interesting isomorphism: for example, the Schrodinger equation can find its classical correspondence in the paraxial Helmholtz equation, and coherent atomic population transfers is analogous to coupling dynamics in waveguides. In classical coupled mode systems, quantum notion can be manifested in the following ways: (1) adiabatic (i.e., sufficiently slow) evolution of the Hamiltonian enables robust mode conversion and light transfer, where the dynamics is carried out in predominantly one eigenmode; (2) non-Hermitian Hamiltonians give rise to peculiar singularities known as exceptional points (EPs), associated with not only degenerate eigenvalues but coalescent eigenvectors. In this dissertation, we explore the above principles in light manipulation, sensing, and photonic emulation. First, we numerically demonstrate two examples of photonic devices based on adiabatic evolution engineering. We present a coupled waveguide system analogous to the atomic physics process of stimulated Raman adiabatic passage, where the principle of adiabaticity not only allows high-extinction polarization mode splitting, but also counterintuitively mitigates the losses from the plasmonic structure involved. We show a modal hybridization effect in rib waveguide geometry that allows the mode to adiabatically evolve from one polarization to its orthogonal state upon electro-optic modulation in thin film lithium niobate, enabling an actively switchable polarization converter. We propose a generic EP emulator based on programmable photonics to tackle the challenging implementation of EP. Our approach combines on-chip operations of coupling, loss and detuning based on generic photonic modules (Mach-Zehnder interferometers), and a discrete scheme for mapping Hamiltonians to common mesh architecture. We demonstrate multiple exemplary EP functionalities, including loss-induced transparency, encircling second-order EPs in the PT and anti-PT symmetry picture, and a third-order EP. The proposed EP emulator marks a new paradigm for discrete, \textit{in situ} programming of EPs and multi-functional, repurposable EP devices. We also present our preliminary work on NV center-induced EPs. In contrast to conventional fluorescence-based schemes for addressing NV centers, we leverage NV centers' absorption to bring a coupled ring resonator system to an EP and numerically demonstrate the emerging dynamics. Our primary numerical results promise proof-of-concept magnetometry, combining NV centers' response to magnetic and microwave fields with the sensitivity enhancing nature of EP. This dissertation sheds light on unconventional photonics inspired by quantum-like principles. / 2025-08-29T00:00:00Z