As the race to quantum supremacy intensifies, the spotlight often falls on flashy quantum computing startups or AI giants dropping billions into research. But lurking just beyond the buzzwords are two legacy players—Lumentum (NASDAQ: LITE) and VIAVI Solutions (NASDAQ: VIAV)—each carving out a critical lane on the quantum frontier.
Their roles? One builds the photonic muscle powering quantum systems. The other stress-tests and secures the networks that will carry quantum-era data. Together, they’re making quantum tech practical, scalable, and secure.
Lumentum: Building the Photonic Spine of Quantum
Lumentum has long been a heavyweight in photonics and optical components, and in the age of quantum, that expertise is in high demand.
📡 Laser Precision for Quantum Communication
Quantum systems, especially those involving quantum key distribution (QKD) and photonic quantum computing, rely on incredibly precise light-based components. Lumentum’s expertise in indium phosphide (InP) lasers, modulators, and high-speed photonic integration is a perfect fit.
The company recently made headlines by becoming an official partner in NVIDIA’s Silicon Photonics Ecosystem—supplying the laser tech behind NVIDIA’s AI and quantum networking ambitions. This isn’t just about data centers; it’s laying the optical groundwork for scalable quantum systems.
Beyond Hype: Real Hardware
While many quantum stocks are still in theoretical mode, Lumentum ships real-world, quantum-adjacent products today. Its lasers and optical components are already used in quantum optics experiments, university research labs, and pilot QKD projects.
VIAVI: The Quantum Security Enabler
While Lumentum helps quantum data get where it’s going, VIAVI Solutions is working to make sure it’s secure when it gets there.
🔐 Post-Quantum Cryptography Testing
Quantum computers threaten to break today’s encryption. The fix? Post-quantum cryptography (PQC)—new algorithms designed to resist quantum attacks. VIAVI is already out front with TeraVM, a network performance testing platform that evaluates how PQC protocols impact traffic and latency.
As organizations prepare to future-proof their systems, VIAVI’s tools are becoming essential for validating that their security upgrades won’t break network performance.
Quantum Key Distribution Validation
At Mobile World Congress 2025, VIAVI unveiled QKD testing capabilities built into its MAP-300 optical test platform, giving telecoms and enterprises a way to test quantum-secure communication systems before they deploy them in the wild.
The Overlooked Quantum Infrastructure Duo
| Company | Quantum Role | Highlight Product or Initiative |
|---|---|---|
| Lumentum | Hardware—Lasers & Photonics for Quantum | InP lasers for NVIDIA’s photonic switches |
| VIAVI | Testing—Security & Network Performance | TeraVM for post-quantum cryptography |
Neither company is a “pure play” quantum stock. But both are vital to the quantum ecosystem—serving as hardware enablers and security validators that support the more public-facing players.
Final Thoughts: The Quiet Quantum Gatekeepers
The quantum economy isn’t just about shiny new computers. It’s about the supply chains, testing tools, and infrastructure that will make those computers usable, secure, and connected.
Lumentum and VIAVI are the unsung heroes, quietly building the rails beneath the revolution.
For investors looking for low-key, high-impact plays on the quantum future, these two tech veterans deserve more than a passing glance.
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