ADVERTORIAL
PHOTONICS – A KEY ENABLING TECHNOLOGY IN THE QUANTUM WORLD
In recent years, quantum technologies have rapidly moved from research labs into industrial applications, supported by increased public funding, venture capital, and patent activity [ 1 ].
These technologies harness quantum phenomena like entanglement, tunneling, and superposition to achieve results that surpass classical limitations. Some compelling examples include:
• Quantum computers capable of solving complex problems beyond current supercomputers.
• High-precision time measurement for synchronizing communications.
• Compact sensors that detect minute magnetic fields— replacing roomsized systems.
• Secure communications that resist eavesdropping. At the core of these innovations is a medium that behaves in a quantized manner. In neutral atom computing, this medium consists of a collection of trapped atoms; in ion computing, it comprises trapped ions; and in certain types of atomic clocks, it is a collection of alkali atoms in vapor phase. Photonics technology plays a crucial role in interacting with and manipulating these delicate quantum media while also exhibiting quantized behavior and acting as a reliable carrier of information for networks of quantum devices. In other instances, such as in photonic quantum computing or quantum communications, individual photons themselves act as the quantized medium. In addition, photons can transfer information over long distances with minimal losses compared to electrons and they are unaffected by electromagnetic fields. Simply put, photonics is foundational to the realization of many quantum technologies.
▼ A small form vapor cell from Hamamatsu
HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS: A TRUSTED PARTNER IN QUANTUM TECHNOLOGIES Hamamatsu Photonics has long been a trusted partner to the scientific research community, developing some of the most advanced photonic technologies available. Alongside this, the company has deep experience in high-volume production for industrial, medical, and semiconductor applications. This unique combination of precision, scale, and reliability positions Hamamatsu as an ideal photonics partner for quantum technology development.
VAPOR CELL TECHNOLOGY: A FLAGSHIP INNOVATION One standout contribution is Hamamatsu’ s vapor cell technology. Known for its expertise in photomultiplier tubes( PMTs), the company has adapted its vacuum technology capabilities to manufacture vapor cells in various shapes and sizes, featuring different coatings and filled with a variety of alkali vapors and buffer gases.
These vapor cells, when integrated with light sources, detectors, optics, and electronics, become the core of quantum sensors. A notable example is Hamamatsu’ s optically pumped magnetometer( OPM), unveiled at Photonics West 2025 [ 2 ]. This compact sensor( under 8.5 cm ³) achieves a magnetic field
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▲ OPM detection heads for MEG application
sensitivity of 20 fT / √Hz, making it wellsuited for biomedical functional imaging [ 3 ].
A BROADER QUANTUM PORTFOLIO Beyond vapor cells, Hamamatsu offers a wide range of products that support quantum research and applications, including:
• Liquid Crystal on Silicon Spatial Light Modulators( LCOS SLMs)[ 4 ]
• High-speed, low-noise cameras for qubit readout [ 5 ]
• Single-frequency lasers for precise quantum state control [ 6 ]
LET’ S COLLABORATE Our engineers welcome one-on-one discussions about quantum innovations and custom solutions. To explore collaboration or learn more, reach out at info @ hamamatsu. eu or visit our booth at the Laser World of Photonics this June at Messe Munich.
[ 1 ] McKinsey & Company, The Quantum Technology Monitor 2024s. [ Online ]. Available: https:// www. mckinsey. com
[ 2 ] SPIE Photonics West 2025- Quantum West Business Summit: The Path from Startups to End Users in Commercializing Quantum Sensing Technology, SPIE. [ Online ]. Available: https:// spie. org / photonics-west / event / quantum-west-business-summit-the-path-from-startups-to-end-users-in-commercializing-quantum-sensing-technology / 7100481
[ 3 ] S. Zuo et al.,“ Ultrasensitive Magnetoelectric Sensing System for Pico-Tesla MagnetoMyoGraphy,” IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Circuits and Systems, vol. 14, no. 5, pp. 971-984, Oct. 2020, doi: 10.1109 / TBCAS. 2020.2998290
[ 4 ] https:// lcos-slm. hamamatsu. com / eu / en / application / quantum _ technology. html [ 5 ] https:// www. hamamatsu. com / eu / en / product / cameras / qcmos-cameras. html [ 6 ] https:// www. nktphotonics. com / products / single-frequency-fiber-lasers /
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