Quantum photonics could be a pivotal part of future quantum technology if the right materials can be created, a new review paper has found.

Photonics offers an approach to developing quantum technology using light. The authors believe a programmable photonic platform could enable technologies such as quantum neural networks and distributed quantum computing.

Many photonic components already exist and can be integrated onto a single silicon chip. The challenge is to put them together in a way that can be manipulated efficiently. Today’s technology is mostly fixed once manufactured.