In recent years, quantum technologies have made a remarkable leap from research laboratories to industrial applications. This trend is seen in public financing, private capital investments, and patent applications for quantum applications.1
Image Credit: Hamamatsu Photonics Europe
In general, quantum technologies refer to a group of innovations that use quantum phenomena such as entanglement, tunneling, and superposition to generate concrete results that exceed the boundaries of classical systems. Some related examples include:
- Quantum computers: Can solve complicated problems faster than today's supercomputers.
- High-precision time measurements: Used to synchronize communications.
- Magnetic field light effect with sparks: Measurement of minute magnetic fields with sensors that fit in the palm of your hand, as opposed to existing ones that take up an entire room.
- Secure communications: Almost impervious to interception.
Central to all quantum technologies is a medium that exhibits quantized behavior. In neutral atom computing, this medium is a collection of trapped atoms; in ion-based quantum computing, it's trapped ions; and in certain atomic clocks, it consists of alkali atoms in the vapor phase.
Photonics technology plays a critical role in interacting with and manipulating these sensitive quantum systems. It not only exhibits quantized behavior itself but also serves as a dependable carrier of information across networks of quantum devices.
In other cases, such as photonic quantum computing or quantum communications, individual photons serve directly as the quantized medium. Photons are particularly advantageous for information transfer, as they can travel long distances with minimal loss and are immune to electromagnetic interference.
In short, photonics is essential to the progress and practical implementation of many quantum technologies.
Cerca Magnetics 4 is evaluating OPM for Magnetic Encephalography (MEG). Photo from the Hamamatsu Photonics booth at Photonics West 2025. Image Credit: Hamamatsu Photonics Europe
Hamamatsu Photonics is a Trusted Partner In Quantum Technologies
Since its inception, Hamamatsu Photonics has been a trusted partner to the scientific research community. This longstanding collaboration has led to the development of some of the most advanced photonic technologies available today, and the company continues to lead in this space. At the same time, Hamamatsu is deeply familiar with the demands of industrial, medical, and semiconductor applications, which remain key markets.
High-volume production and rigorous quality control of robust optoelectronic products and systems are central to Hamamatsu’s operations.
With its legacy, technical expertise, and manufacturing capabilities, Hamamatsu Photonics is well-positioned to serve as a reliable photonics partner in the development and deployment of quantum technologies.
Vapor Cell Technology: A Key Contribution to Quantum Innovation
A standout example of Hamamatsu’s impact on quantum technologies is its vapor cell technology. In the photonics industry, Hamamatsu Photonics is well known for its expertise in photomultiplier tubes (PMTs), rooted in vacuum tube technology.
Building on this legacy, the company has gained extensive expertise in producing vapor cells in a wide range of shapes and sizes, featuring various coatings and containing different combinations of trapped alkali vapors and buffer gases.
When integrated with light sources, detectors, optical elements, and electronics, these vapor cells can be engineered into quantum sensors for targeted applications.
Hamamatsu recently showcased its optically pumped magnetometer (OPM), built on vapor cell technology, at Photonics West 2025. With a compact form factor of less than 8.5 cm3 and a magnetic field sensitivity of 20 fT/√Hz, this OPM is well-suited for applications in biomedical functional imaging.3
Hamamatsu is working with Cerca Magnetics,4 a startup from the University of Nottingham, to commercialize OPM for Magnetoencephalography (MEG), which noninvasively maps neuronal activity of the brain.
The compact size of OPMs allows them to be assembled onto a 3D-printed headset, making MEG measurements more lightweight, portable, and comfortable for patients.
OPM revolutionizes MEG measurements when compared to the existing machinery that relies on a large, liquid Helium-based magnetic sensor. Hamamatsu’s OPM technology will be on display along with the core vapor cell technology at its booth at the Laser World of Photonics 2025 in Messe Munich.
Hamamatsu is also in the process of developing other types of quantum sensors based on the core vapor cell technology and is open to industrial collaborations.
Hamamatsu’s wafer based vapor cells. Image Credit: Hamamatsu Photonics Europe
Beyond Vapor Cells: Hamamatsu’s Extensive Quantum Portfolio
Hamamatsu's contributions to quantum technologies go beyond vapor cell technology. While not all of these could be listed here, a few significant innovations can be highlighted:
Liquid Crystal on Silicon Spatial Light Modulators (LCOS SLMs)
These modulators are used to trap a large number of atoms for neutral atom computing purposes. Hamamatsu's LCOS SLMs are noted for their minimal phase jitter, which assures reliable traps, as well as their high laser power handling capabilities, which helps quantum computers scale up in power.
Image Credit: Hamamatsu Photonics Europe
High-Speed, Low-Noise Cameras for Qubit Readout
Neutral atom computers require continuous monitoring of trap stability and qubit states during operation—both tasks made possible by high-speed, low-noise cameras from Hamamatsu.
The latest innovation, qCMOS® technology, has been especially impactful, offering a unique combination of precision, speed, and resolution. Whether it’s diagnosing and reading out ion or neutral atom traps, or measuring the exact number of photons absorbed in a pixel for quantum imaging setups, the ORCA® camera series provides the right solution.
Recently, Hamamatsu partnered with Quantum Machines to integrate ORCA cameras into their quantum computing hardware.5
Image Credit: Hamamatsu Photonics Europe
Single-Frequency Lasers for Quantum State Manipulation
Single-frequency lasers are essential for manipulating quantum states in neutral atom computers, ion computers, atomic clocks, and other quantum systems. With the acquisition of NKT Photonics, Hamamatsu now offers a range of single-frequency, mode-hop-free, and ultra-stable fiber lasers.
The Koheras HARMONIK HP series delivers high-power UV and VIS fiber lasers, known for their narrow linewidth and industrial-grade reliability. These lasers feature a robust design, low noise, and high optical signal-to-noise ratio (OSNR), making them ideal for applications in quantum computing, sensing, metrology, and communications.
A view from Hamamatsu Photonics' booth at Laser World of Photonics 2023 in Munich, Germany. Image Credit: Hamamatsu Photonics Europe
Dedicated to Quantum Innovation and Collaboration
These breakthroughs and partnerships demonstrate Hamamatsu's commitment to the advancement of quantum technologies. Beyond these examples, the company continues to create cutting-edge photonic technologies for quantum applications.
Hamamatsu's engineers are always eager to discuss these technologies and specific solutions during one-on-one conversations. If you would like to discuss partnership opportunities or learn more about the solutions, please contact Hamamatsu.
References
- McKinsey & Company. (2024).Quantum Technology Monitor. Available at: https://www.mckinsey.com/~/media/mckinsey/business%20functions/mckinsey%20digital/our%20insights/steady%20progress%20in%20approaching%20the%20quantum%20advantage/quantum-technology-monitor-april-2024.pdf.
- SPIE Photonics West. (2025). SPIE Photonics West Special Event Quantum West Business Summit: The Path from Startups to End Users in Commercializing Quantum Sensing Technology. (online) Available at: https://spie.org/photonics-west/event/quantum-west-business-summit-the-path-from-startups-to-end-users-in-commercializing-quantum-sensingtechnology/7100481 (Accessed 13 Jun. 2025).
- Zuo, S., et al. (2020). Ultrasensitive Magnetoelectric Sensing System for Pico-Tesla MagnetoMyoGraphy. IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Circuits and Systems, (online) 14(5), pp.971–984. https://doi.org/10.1109/TBCAS.2020.2998290.
- Quantum Machines (2024). Quantum Machines and Hamamatsu Photonics Team Up for Enhanced Quantum Computing Control. (online) PR Newswire. Available at: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/quantum-machines-and-hamamatsu-photonics-team-up-for-enhanced-quantum-computing-control-302131648.html (Accessed 13 Jun. 2025).
This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by Hamamatsu Photonics Europe.
For more information on this source, please visit Hamamatsu Photonics Europe.