Sponsored Content material: Photonics – a key enabling expertise within the quantum world ⋆ Electronics Weekly

In recent times, the transition of quantum applied sciences from analysis labs to industrial purposes has been phenomenal. This development is clearly mirrored in public funding, enterprise capital investments, and patent purposes for quantum purposes [1]. Broadly, quantum applied sciences seek advice from a group of improvements that exploit quantum phenomena like entanglement, tunneling, and superposition to realize tangible outcomes past limits set by classical methods. A number of relatable examples embrace:

Quantum computer systems that may resolve advanced issues sooner than present-day supercomputers.	Excessive-precision time measurement for synchronizing communications.	Measurement of minute magnetic fields utilizing sensors that match within the palm of your hand versus current ones that occupy a whole room.	Safe communications which are virtually resistant to interception.

Central to all these quantum applied sciences is a medium that reveals quantized habits. In impartial atom computing, this medium consists of a group of trapped atoms; in ion computing, it contains trapped ions; and in sure kinds of atomic clocks, it’s a assortment of alkali atoms in vapor part. Photonics expertise performs a vital position in interacting with and manipulating these delicate quantum media whereas additionally exhibiting quantized habits and appearing as a dependable provider of data for networks of quantum de- vices. In different situations, akin to in photonic quantum computing or quantum communications, particular person photons themselves act because the quantized medium. As well as, photons can switch info over lengthy distances with minimal losses in comparison with electrons and they’re unaffected by electromagnetic fields. In essence, photonics is integral to the development of a number of quantum applied sciences.

Cerca Magnetics [4] is evaluating OPM for Magnetic Encephalography (MEG). Photograph from Hamamatsu Photonics sales space at Photonics West 2025.

Hamamatsu Photonics: A Trusted Accomplice in Quantum Applied sciences

Since its inception, Hamamatsu Photonics has been a trusted associate of the scientific analysis communi- ty. In consequence, the corporate has developed a number of the finest photonic applied sciences accessible right now and continues to guide on this path. On the identical time, Ham- amatsu isn’t any stranger to the necessities of business, medical, and semiconductor purposes, that are additionally key markets. Excessive-volume manufacturing and high quality management of sturdy optoelectronic merchandise and methods are an integral a part of Hamamatsu’s enterprise. With its legacy, experience, and capabilities, Hamamatsu Photonics is well-positioned to be a photonics associate within the growth of quantum applied sciences.

Vapor Cell Know-how: A Key Contribution to Quantum Innovation

One shining instance of Hamamatsu’s contribution to quantum applied sciences is its vapor cell expertise. Within the photonics world, Hamamatsu Photonics is synonymous with photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) that are based mostly on vacuum tube expertise. Constructing on this legacy, the corporate has developed deep experience in manufacturing vapor cells of various sizes and styles, with totally different coatings, and containing numerous trapped alkali vapors and buffer gases.

Hamamatsu’s wafer based mostly vapor cells.

When mixed with mild sources, detectors, optical parts, and electronics, these vapor cells may be molded into quantum sensors for sure purposes. Hamamatsu just lately offered its optically pumped magnetometer (OPM) at Photonics West 2025 [2] based mostly on this vapor cell expertise. This OPM, packed right into a compact quantity of lower than 8.5 cm3, boasts a magnetic discipline sensitivity of 20 fT/√Hz, making it appropriate for biomedical purposeful imaging [3].

Hamamatsu is working with Cerca Magnetics [4], a start- up from the College of Nottingham, to commercialize OPM for Magnetic Encephalography (MEG), which noninvasively maps neuronal exercise of the mind. The compact measurement of OPMs permits them to be assembled onto a 3D-printed headset, making MEG measurements extra light-weight, moveable, and comfy for sufferers. OPM revolutionizes MEG measurements when one compares it to the prevailing MEG equipment that depends on a big, liquid Helium-based magnetic sensor. Hamamatsu’s OPM expertise will probably be on show together with the core vapor cell expertise at Hamamatsu’s sales space on the Laser World of Photonics 2025 in Messe Munich. Hamamatsu can also be within the strategy of creating different kinds of quantum sensors based mostly on the core vapor cell expertise and is open to industrial collaborations.

Past Vapor Cells: Hamamatsu’s In depth Quantum Portfolio

Hamamatsu’s contributions to quantum applied sciences lengthen past vapor cell expertise. Whereas all of those may be listed right here, a couple of notable improvements may be highlighted:

Liquid Crystal on Silicon Spatial Mild Modulators (LCOS SLMs)

These modulators are used to entice massive numbers of atoms for impartial atom computing purposes. Hamamatsu’s LCOS SLMs are recognized for his or her low part jitter, which ensures secure traps, and their excessive laser energy dealing with functionality, which aids in scaling up the ability of quantum computer systems.

Excessive-Velocity, Low-Noise Cameras for Qubit Readout

Impartial atom computer systems require fixed monitoring of entice stability and qubit states throughout operation – each of that are completed utilizing high-speed low-noise cameras from Hamamatsu. The newest innovation, qCMOS® expertise, has been notably disruptive in offering a singular mixture of precision, pace, and backbone. Whether or not diagnosing and studying out ion or impartial atom traps or figuring out the exact variety of photons absorbed in a given pixel for a quantum imaging setup, the ORCA® digicam sequence provides the suitable resolution. Not too long ago, Hamamatsu partnered with Quantum Machines to combine ORCA cameras into their quantum computing {hardware} [5].

Single-Frequency Lasers for Quantum State Manipulation

Single-frequency lasers are used to govern quantum states in neu- tral atom computer systems, ion computer systems, atomic clocks, and different quantum methods. Hamamatsu now provides a variety of single-frequency, mode-hop-free, and ultra-stable fiber lasers. The Koheras HARMONIK HP sequence supplies high-power UV & VIS fiber lasers, recognized for his or her slim linewidth mild and industrial reliability. Additionally they have a sturdy design, low noise, and excessive OSNR and are perfect for quantum computing, sensing, metrology, and communications.

Dedication to Quantum Innovation and Collaboration

Hamamatsu’s dedication to advancing quantum applied sciences is obvious by means of these improvements and partnerships. Past these examples, the corporate continues creating cutting-edge photonic options tailor-made for quantum purposes.

Our engineers are all the time eager to debate these applied sciences in addition to customized options by means of one-to-one interactions. If you want to discover collaboration alternatives or study extra about our choices, please attain out to us at data@hamamatsu.eu.

References

[1] McKinsey & Firm, The Quantum Know-how Monitor 2024s. [Online]. Out there: www.mckinsey.com.

[2] SPIE Photonics West 2025 – Quantum West Enterprise Summit: The Path from Startups to Finish Customers in Commercializing Quantum Sensing Know-how, SPIE. [Online]. Out there: spie.org/photonics-west/occasion/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 Techniques, vol. 14, no. 5, pp. 971-984, Oct. 2020, doi: 10.1109/TBCAS.2020.2998290.

[4] Cerca Magnetics, “Homepage,” [Online]. Out there: www.cercamagnetics.com.

[5] Hamamatsu Photonics, “Quantum Machines and Hamamatsu Photonics Group Up for Enhanced Quantum Computing Management,” Apr. 2024. [Online]. Out there: www.hamamatsu.com/content material/dam/hamamatsu-photonics/websites/paperwork/21_HPE/press-release/quantum-machines-and-hamamatsu- photonics-team-up-for-enhanced-quantum-computing-control-april-2024.pdf.