Quantum sensing uses uniquely quantum properties of light and matter—such as superposition, entanglement, and squeezed states—to measure physical quantities (like phase, displacement, fields, or photon number) with sensitivities that can surpass classical sensors. In photonics, new interferometry-based schemes with quantum light can simultaneously estimate multiple parameters of an optical network (e.g., phase shifts and beam‑splitter reflectivity), enabling ultra‑precise characterization of how light propagates and transforms.
In practice, quantum optical sensors exploit specially prepared light (squeezed, entangled, or otherwise non‑classical) and highly sensitive detectors to reduce measurement noise below classical limits and detect extremely small changes in intensity, phase, or direction of light. This approach is already pushing performance in areas such as interferometry, microscopy, and spectroscopy, offering constant‑factor or even orders‑of‑magnitude gains in sensitivity and resolution for some use cases. Such sensors can detect nanoscale displacements and tiny optical effects with “ultimate” precision that is largely independent of the size of the displacement, making them attractive for robust, long‑term monitoring.
For the lighting industry, these capabilities point to several potential impacts. At the product level, quantum light sensors can more accurately measure photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) and photon flux in the 400–700 nm band, which is critical for horticultural lighting, plant factories, and greenhouse control. More advanced “quantum light pollution” and spectral sensors, sensitive well beyond the visible range, can help LED manufacturers and lighting designers tune spectra for plant growth, human circadian health, and reduced ecological impact, while verifying that fixtures actually deliver the intended spectrum in the field.
In manufacturing and quality control, quantum‑enhanced interferometry and displacement sensing can characterize optical components, coatings, and luminaires with nanoscale precision, improving the alignment of optics, detection of micro‑defects, and consistency between batches. For example, being able to estimate multiple optical network parameters simultaneously can streamline testing of complex optical assemblies used in advanced luminaires and sensors integrated into lighting products. This can reduce scrap, shorten calibration steps, and support higher‑performance optics for beam shaping, glare control, and pattern projection.
In smart and connected lighting, quantum sensing concepts overlap with ultra‑sensitive photonic detectors that can pick up extremely weak optical or environmental signals; these can underpin high‑accuracy occupancy detection, asset tracking, or environmental monitoring (temperature, fields, pollutants) integrated into luminaires. Quantum‑inspired or quantum‑grade sensors could allow lighting systems to double as precise measurement platforms in buildings, greenhouses, and cities, supporting energy optimization and data services. Over the longer term, as costs fall and systems become less complex, the same quantum light sources and detectors being developed for sensing and timing (e.g., in quantum information science) may be co‑packaged with LED or laser‑based luminaires, further blurring the line between lighting and sensing infrastructure.
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