Products
We are actively taking measures to improve product quality levels.
Applications
Why Hamamatsu?
Resources
Support
Our company
Investors
United Kingdom (EN)
Select your region or country.
Photonics – a key enabling technology in the quantum world
In recent years, the transition of quantum technologies from research labs to industrial applications has been phenomenal. This trend is clearly reflected in public funding, venture capital investments, and patent applications for quantum applications [1]. Broadly, quantum technologies refer to a collection of innovations that exploit quantum phenomena like entanglement, tunneling, and superposition to achieve tangible outcomes beyond limits set by classical systems. A few relatable examples include:
Quantum computers
that can solve complex problems faster than present-day supercomputers.
High-precision time measurement
for synchronizing communications.
Measurement of minute magnetic fields using sensors that fit in the palm of your hand as opposed to existing ones that occupy an entire room.
Secure communications that are practically immune to interception.
Central to all these quantum technologies is a medium that exhibits quantized behavior. 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. In essence, photonics is integral to the advancement of several quantum technologies.
Cerca Magnetics [4] is evaluating OPM for Magnetic Encephalography (MEG). Photo from Hamamatsu Photonics booth at Photonics West 2025.
Hamamatsu Photonics: A Trusted Partner in Quantum Technologies
Since its inception, Hamamatsu Photonics has been a trusted partner of the scientific research community. As a result, the company has developed some of the best photonic technologies available today and continues to lead in this path. At the same time, Hamamatsu is no stranger to the requirements of industrial, medical, and semiconductor applications, which are also key markets. High-volume production and quality control of robust optoelectronic products and systems are an integral part of Hamamatsu’s business. With its legacy, expertise, and capabilities, Hamamatsu Photonics is well-positioned to be a photonics partner in the development of quantum technologies.
Vapor Cell Technology: A Key Contribution to Quantum Innovation
One shining example of Hamamatsu’s contribution to quantum technologies is its vapor cell technology. In the photonics world, Hamamatsu Photonics is synonymous with photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) which are based on vacuum tube technology. Building on this legacy, the company has developed deep expertise in manufacturing vapor cells of different shapes and sizes, with different coatings, and containing diverse trapped alkali vapors and buffer gases.
When combined with light sources, detectors, optical elements, and electronics, these vapor cells can be molded into quantum sensors for certain applications. Hamamatsu recently presented its optically pumped magnetometer (OPM) at Photonics West 2025 [2] based on this vapor cell technology. This OPM, packed into a compact volume of less than 8.5 cm3, boasts a magnetic field sensitivity of 20 fT/√Hz, making it suitable for biomedical functional imaging [3].
Hamamatsu’s wafer based vapor cells
Hamamatsu is working with Cerca Magnetics [4], a startup from the University of Nottingham, to commercialize OPM for Magnetic Encephalography (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 one compares it to the existing MEG 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 Hamamatsu’s 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.
Beyond Vapor Cells: Hamamatsu’s Extensive Quantum Portfolio
Hamamatsu’s contributions to quantum technologies extend beyond vapor cell technology. While all of these can be listed here, a few notable innovations can be highlighted:
Liquid Crystal on Silicon Spatial Light Modulators (LCOS SLMs)
These modulators are used to trap large numbers of atoms for neutral atom computing applications. Hamamatsu’s LCOS SLMs are known for their low phase jitter, which ensures stable traps, and their high laser power handling capability, which aids in scaling up the power of quantum computers.
High-Speed, Low-Noise Cameras for Qubit Readout
Neutral atom computers require constant monitoring of trap stability and qubit states during operation – both of which are accomplished using high-speed low-noise cameras from Hamamatsu. The latest innovation, qCMOS® technology, has been particularly disruptive in providing a unique combination of precision, speed, and resolution. Whether diagnosing and reading out ion or neutral atom traps or determining the precise number of photons absorbed in a given pixel for a quantum imaging setup, the ORCA® camera series offers the right solution. Recently, Hamamatsu partnered with Quantum Machines to integrate ORCA cameras into their quantum computing hardware [5].
Single-Frequency Lasers for Quantum State Manipulation
Single-frequency lasers are used to manipulate 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 provides high-power UV & VIS fiber lasers, known for their narrow linewidth light and industrial reliability. They also have a robust design, low noise, and high OSNR and are ideal for quantum computing, sensing, metrology, and communications.
A view from Hamamatsu Photonics' booth at Laser World of Photonics 2023 in Munich, Germany.
Commitment to Quantum Innovation and Collaboration
Hamamatsu’s commitment to advancing quantum technologies is evident through these innovations and partnerships. Beyond these examples, the company continues developing cutting-edge photonic solutions tailored for quantum applications.
Our engineers are always keen to discuss these technologies as well as custom solutions through one-to-one interactions. If you would like to explore collaboration opportunities or learn more about our offerings, please reach out to us.
References
[1] McKinsey & Company, The Quantum Technology Monitor 2024s. [Online]. Available: 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: spie.org/photonics-west/event/quantum-west-business-summit-the-path-from-startups-to-end-users-in-commercializing-quantum-sensingtechnology/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] Hamamatsu Photonics, “Quantum Machines and Hamamatsu Photonics Team Up for Enhanced Quantum Computing Control,” Apr. 2024. [Online]. Available: www.hamamatsu.com/content/dam/hamamatsu-photonics/sites/documents/21_HPE/press-release/quantum-machines-and-hamamatsuphotonics- team-up-for-enhanced-quantum-computing-control-april-2024.pdf
- Confirmation
-
It looks like you're in the . If this is not your location, please select the correct region or country below.
You're headed to Hamamatsu Photonics website for GB (English). If you want to view an other country's site, the optimized information will be provided by selecting options below.
In order to use this website comfortably, we use cookies. For cookie details please see our cookie policy.
- Cookie Policy
-
This website or its third-party tools use cookies, which are necessary to its functioning and required to achieve the purposes illustrated in this cookie policy. By closing the cookie warning banner, scrolling the page, clicking a link or continuing to browse otherwise, you agree to the use of cookies.
Hamamatsu uses cookies in order to enhance your experience on our website and ensure that our website functions.
You can visit this page at any time to learn more about cookies, get the most up to date information on how we use cookies and manage your cookie settings. We will not use cookies for any purpose other than the ones stated, but please note that we reserve the right to update our cookies.
1. What are cookies?
For modern websites to work according to visitor’s expectations, they need to collect certain basic information about visitors. To do this, a site will create small text files which are placed on visitor’s devices (computer or mobile) - these files are known as cookies when you access a website. Cookies are used in order to make websites function and work efficiently. Cookies are uniquely assigned to each visitor and can only be read by a web server in the domain that issued the cookie to the visitor. Cookies cannot be used to run programs or deliver viruses to a visitor’s device.
Cookies do various jobs which make the visitor’s experience of the internet much smoother and more interactive. For instance, cookies are used to remember the visitor’s preferences on sites they visit often, to remember language preference and to help navigate between pages more efficiently. Much, though not all, of the data collected is anonymous, though some of it is designed to detect browsing patterns and approximate geographical location to improve the visitor experience.
Certain type of cookies may require the data subject’s consent before storing them on the computer.
2. What are the different types of cookies?
This website uses two types of cookies:
- First party cookies. For our website, the first party cookies are controlled and maintained by Hamamatsu. No other parties have access to these cookies.
- Third party cookies. These cookies are implemented by organizations outside Hamamatsu. We do not have access to the data in these cookies, but we use these cookies to improve the overall website experience.
3. How do we use cookies?
This website uses cookies for following purposes:
- Certain cookies are necessary for our website to function. These are strictly necessary cookies and are required to enable website access, support navigation or provide relevant content. These cookies direct you to the correct region or country, and support security and ecommerce. Strictly necessary cookies also enforce your privacy preferences. Without these strictly necessary cookies, much of our website will not function.
- Analytics cookies are used to track website usage. This data enables us to improve our website usability, performance and website administration. In our analytics cookies, we do not store any personal identifying information.
- Functionality cookies. These are used to recognize you when you return to our website. This enables us to personalize our content for you, greet you by name and remember your preferences (for example, your choice of language or region).
- These cookies record your visit to our website, the pages you have visited and the links you have followed. We will use this information to make our website and the advertising displayed on it more relevant to your interests. We may also share this information with third parties for this purpose.
Cookies help us help you. Through the use of cookies, we learn what is important to our visitors and we develop and enhance website content and functionality to support your experience. Much of our website can be accessed if cookies are disabled, however certain website functions may not work. And, we believe your current and future visits will be enhanced if cookies are enabled.
4. Which cookies do we use?
There are two ways to manage cookie preferences.
- You can set your cookie preferences on your device or in your browser.
- You can set your cookie preferences at the website level.
If you don’t want to receive cookies, you can modify your browser so that it notifies you when cookies are sent to it or you can refuse cookies altogether. You can also delete cookies that have already been set.
If you wish to restrict or block web browser cookies which are set on your device then you can do this through your browser settings; the Help function within your browser should tell you how. Alternatively, you may wish to visit www.aboutcookies.org, which contains comprehensive information on how to do this on a wide variety of desktop browsers.
5. What are Internet tags and how do we use them with cookies?
Occasionally, we may use internet tags (also known as action tags, single-pixel GIFs, clear GIFs, invisible GIFs and 1-by-1 GIFs) at this site and may deploy these tags/cookies through a third-party advertising partner or a web analytical service partner which may be located and store the respective information (including your IP-address) in a foreign country. These tags/cookies are placed on both online advertisements that bring users to this site and on different pages of this site. We use this technology to measure the visitors' responses to our sites and the effectiveness of our advertising campaigns (including how many times a page is opened and which information is consulted) as well as to evaluate your use of this website. The third-party partner or the web analytical service partner may be able to collect data about visitors to our and other sites because of these internet tags/cookies, may compose reports regarding the website’s activity for us and may provide further services which are related to the use of the website and the internet. They may provide such information to other parties if there is a legal requirement that they do so, or if they hire the other parties to process information on their behalf.
If you would like more information about web tags and cookies associated with on-line advertising or to opt-out of third-party collection of this information, please visit the Network Advertising Initiative website http://www.networkadvertising.org.
6. Analytics and Advertisement Cookies
We use third-party cookies (such as Google Analytics) to track visitors on our website, to get reports about how visitors use the website and to inform, optimize and serve ads based on someone's past visits to our website.
You may opt-out of Google Analytics cookies by the websites provided by Google:
https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout?hl=en
As provided in this Privacy Policy (Article 5), you can learn more about opt-out cookies by the website provided by Network Advertising Initiative:
http://www.networkadvertising.org
We inform you that in such case you will not be able to wholly use all functions of our website.
Close