Photonics Spectra Preview for November 2025

Quantum Computing

The term “quantum” is often misused to imply futuristic speed or capability, often without appropriate backing evidence. Where concrete evidence does abound, however, is for quantum computing to lay the groundwork for a transformative and attainable technology leap, grounded in the principles of superposition, entanglement, and interference. Peeling back the layers on quantum mechanics, the role of optics is central to the hardware and control systems of quantum computing systems and components. Lasers, waveguides, and optical fibers — while ubiquitous — are unmatched in their ability to provide the precision and scalability needed for manipulating qubits. In examining how the same principles that govern lasers, interferometers, and photonics now enable the precise control of quantum states, this article overviews leading quantum optical computing approaches amid advancement in photonic chips, error correction, network scaling, materials science, optical design, and secure communication. The role and function of waveguides, PICs, and active elements is discussed.

Laser Cooling

All lasers require some form of thermal management, with the appropriate method depending both on the laser design and its operating environment. Laser manufacturers historically provided system integrators with only basic cooling requirements — leaving the choice of cooling system to the end user — and thrusting the deficiencies of traditional cooling protocols, both active and passive, into focus. The development of a miniature variable-speed compressor marked a turning point in the search for a more effective, highly-compact cooling solution industrial lasers. Though initially developed for military applications, this mechanism demonstrated the necessary benefits for machining applications. Using its FemtoLux series of industrial femtosecond lasers to tell the story, EKSPLA charts the transition of the variable speed compressor mechanism from the battlefield to the factory floor, where direct refrigerant cooling (DRC) is now utilized in high-performance industrial lasers. The article overviews the DRC method and examines the performance benefits to advanced cooling solutions.

Wavefront Sensors

Wavefront sensors are commonly cited for their use in and for adaptive optics. But these instruments also play a vital role in modern laser-based manufacturing, especially for extreme environment applications. Just as the parameters and performance of the laser for industrial applications are improving, the supporting elements, such as the lenses, gratings, beam-splitters, and more, are themselves improving. This article isolates wavefront sensors, spotlighting how developers and manufacturers of these instruments are advancing their offerings to optimize both the laser source and laser system for industrial and emerging applications. Challenges to design and implementation are examined.

Molecular Spectroscopy

Over the past decades, molecular spectroscopy has undergone a steady evolution. Instruments have become smaller, smarter, and more powerful — bringing lab-grade performance into the field and multiplying throughput in existing lab spaces. From developments in laser technology and improvements in basic optics to shrinking electronics and the personalization of computing power, molecular spectroscopy today continues to broaden in its accessibility and cross-industry adoption. At the heart of the transformation is the molecular spectroscopy workstation — a broad term that, in the context of this article, envelops an integrated system comprising three key components: Hardware, such as light sources, detectors, and optical elements tailored to specific spectroscopic techniques; sample handling accessories, including cuvettes, cryostats, or automated stages that ensure consistent and reliable measurements; and software, which controls the instrumentation, processes data, and increasingly incorporates AI to interpret results and guide workflows. In addition to charting the evolution of its component parts and their convergence into an integrated system, this article ties the connectedness of the contemporary spectroscopy workstation to the viability to streamline new and emerging applications.

Optical Biosensors

Foodborne pathogens cause over hundreds of millions of unique cases of illness and lead to more than $15B in losses annually. Rapid, scalable diagnostics, placed in the spotlight by the COVID pandemic, are essential to meeting this threat. Familiar methods, however, can face limitations. Gregory Lundeen, engineering manager at Crystal Diagnostics, introduces a soft matter photonics-based detection approach, leveraging the optical birefringence of liquid crystals and a compact polarization microscopy imaging system for rapid detection and results. System design, implementation, and results are discussed.

Laser Safety

Before a single laser is ever brought into a lab, serious consideration goes into designing that lab to best fit a user's needs. Along with improving productivity and creating a comfortable work setting, establishing an optimized workspace also improves the safety for everyone involved. Laser safety officer and Photonics Spectra columnist Ken Barat walks through his checklist for making the most of your space, while limiting the risks of injury or production delays.