Quantum Photonics Progress

Part 1 - 2025 Overview

As of 2025, quantum photonics has emerged as a rapidly advancing field at the intersection of quantum mechanics and photonics, driving innovations in quantum computing, communication, and sensing. The state of quantum photonics this year reflects significant progress in both fundamental research and practical applications, bolstered by global investments and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Image source: Brian Lenahan/Midjourney

According to a July 9, 2025 report by Inside Quantum Technology:

“IQT Research believes Photonic Quantum Computers (QCs) will quickly emerge as a viable quantum computing platform if they can demonstrate that they can (1) compute at room temperatures and (2) can be built at low cost using off-the-shelf optical networking components intended for the telecom industry. IQT Research believes that by 2030, worldwide revenues from photonic quantum computers will have reached US$1.1 billions shipped but this number will grow to more than US$6.8 billions by 2035. Growth will reflect both supply and demand factors. On the supply side new firms will be entering the photonic computer market. On the demand side, we can plausibly assume that demand for QCs will increase dramatically, and this high growth will impact photonic QCs as much as any other area. We expect the market share for photonic quantum computers to be around 20-25 percent of all QCs at the end of the forecasting period.”

Why Photonic Computers?

Optical Infrastructure: In quantum computing, photonic-based quantum processors have gained traction due to their scalability and compatibility with existing optical infrastructure.

Precision: Researchers have made strides in developing integrated photonic circuits capable of manipulating single photons with high precision.

Performance: Companies and academic labs have demonstrated small-scale quantum photonic processors that leverage photon entanglement and superposition to perform computations intractable for classical systems. A key breakthrough in 2025 has been the improvement in photon sources, such as deterministic single-photon emitters based on quantum dots and defect centers in materials like diamond or silicon carbide, achieving near-unity efficiency and indistinguishability.

Communications: Quantum communication has also seen remarkable advancements, with photonic systems underpinning the expansion of quantum key distribution (QKD) networks. Several countries have deployed satellite-to-ground and fiber-based quantum communication links exceeding 1,000 kilometers, using photons to transmit secure cryptographic keys with unprecedented security. Innovations in photonic repeaters—designed to extend the range of quantum entanglement over long distances—are nearing practical deployment, overcoming previous limitations posed by photon loss in optical fibers.

Sensing and Metrology: Quantum photonics has enabled ultra-precise measurements surpassing classical limits. Photonic quantum sensors, using squeezed light and entangled photon pairs, are being applied in fields like gravitational wave detection, medical imaging, and navigation. The miniaturization of these systems into chip-scale devices has accelerated their adoption in commercial and industrial settings.

How About The Challenges?

Photon loss, decoherence, and the difficulty of scaling photonic systems to millions of qubits or nodes persist as hurdles. Nevertheless, 2025 marks a pivotal year where quantum photonics is transitioning from laboratory demonstrations to real-world prototypes, with companies like xAI and others exploring its potential to revolutionize technology. Collaborative efforts, such as open-source photonic design platforms and international quantum initiatives, are further accelerating progress, positioning quantum photonics as a cornerstone of the quantum technology landscape.

What’s Next?

In Part 2, I will share an exclusive interview with Dr. Paul Terry, CEO of BC-based Photonic Inc. and in Part 3, I’ll explore examples from DARPA, and other entities involved in the quantum photonics sector.

Brian Lenahan is founder and chair of the Quantum Strategy Institute, author of seven Amazon published books on quantum technologies and artificial intelligence and a Substack Top 100 Rising in Technology. Brian’s focus on the practical side of technology ensures you will get the guidance and inspiration you need to gain value from quantum now and into the future. Brian does not purport to be an expert in each field or subfield for which he provides science communication.

Brian’s books are available on Amazon. Quantum Strategy for Business course is available on the QURECA platform.

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