Photonic quantum technologies

TL;DR

Photonic quantum technologies leverage quantum effects in photons for secure communication, advanced measurement, and quantum computing, with photonics playing a central role due to its high-speed and low-noise properties.

Contribution

This paper reviews the current state and future prospects of photonic quantum technologies, emphasizing their potential applications and the role of photonics in advancing quantum systems.

Findings

Quantum key distribution systems are commercially available.

Future quantum technologies include secure networks and quantum processors.

Photons are essential for high-speed, low-noise quantum communication.

Abstract

The first quantum technology, which harnesses uniquely quantum mechanical effects for its core operation, has arrived in the form of commercially available quantum key distribution systems that achieve enhanced security by encoding information in photons such that information gained by an eavesdropper can be detected. Anticipated future quantum technologies include large-scale secure networks, enhanced measurement and lithography, and quantum information processors, promising exponentially greater computation power for particular tasks. Photonics is destined for a central role in such technologies owing to the need for high-speed transmission and the outstanding low-noise properties of photons. These technologies may use single photons or quantum states of bright laser beams, or both, and will undoubtably apply and drive state-of-the-art developments in photonics.