Quantum boost for PIC market
Quantum technologies are accelerating demand for next-generation photonic integrated circuits and new material platforms.
The photonic integrated circuit (PIC) industry is entering a new phase of innovation as quantum technologies accelerate demand for advanced optical chip platforms, according to insights shared by IDTechEx.
PICs, miniaturised optical systems fabricated on semiconductor wafers, are already critical to high-speed data communications, particularly in AI data centres.
Their role is now expanding as quantum computing, sensing, and communications move from laboratory research to commercial deployment.
Quantum technologies rely heavily on precise control and manipulation of light. Traditional experimental setups, often involving bulky optical tables and complex laser arrangements, are impractical for real-world applications.
PICs offer a scalable alternative, enabling these optical systems to be integrated into compact, robust, and manufacturable chips. This shift is especially significant for quantum computing architectures.
Companies such as IonQ and Quantinuum use photonics to control trapped ions, while PsiQuantum and Quandela are developing systems where photons act as qubits. Scaling these technologies will depend heavily on advances in PIC design and manufacturing.
A key challenge identified by IDTechEx is the limitation of traditional silicon-based photonics.
While silicon and silica dominate current PIC production due to mature fabrication ecosystems, they are not always suitable for quantum applications, particularly those requiring operation in visible wavelengths or ultra-low noise environments. As a result, the industry is exploring alternative materials.
Platforms such as silicon nitride, thin film lithium niobate, and barium titanate are gaining attention for their optical performance and electro-optic properties. However, these materials face barriers including higher costs, smaller wafer sizes, and limited foundry availability.
Despite these challenges, the commercial outlook is strong. IDTechEx forecasts that PICs tailored for quantum technologies could represent a US$12.6 billion market opportunity by 2046, driven by applications across quantum computing, secure communications, and advanced sensing.
Looking ahead, the convergence of photonics and quantum technologies is expected to reshape the PIC landscape, pushing innovation beyond silicon and opening new opportunities for materials, fabrication, and system integration.
