When investors think of quantum computing, they often picture exotic qubits, futuristic labs, and billion-dollar ventures like Google, IBM, or IonQ. But behind the spotlight, a group of photonics and optics companies are quietly building the critical tools quantum systems can’t function without.
These aren’t pure-play quantum stocks. Instead, they sit on the quantum fringe — providing lasers, optics, semiconductors, and testing infrastructure that make quantum possible. Let’s explore four companies at the intersection of photonics and quantum: Indie Semiconductor, Coherent, Lumentum, and VIAVI.
Indie Semiconductor (NASDAQ: INDI) – From Cars to Quantum Lasers
Indie is best known as an automotive semiconductor innovator, building chips and photonics solutions for LiDAR, sensors, and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). But in 2024, Indie took a surprising step into quantum:
- Their LXM-U ultra-low noise laser was announced as a solution tailored for quantum communications (QKD) and quantum computing.
- This photonics tech achieves 10× lower frequency noise and narrow linewidth stability — critical for quantum networks and precise qubit operations.
- Indie is already engaging with quantum hardware players to integrate these lasers into real-world systems.
Takeaway: INDI is a small but emerging quantum enabler, leveraging its automotive photonics base to supply next-gen quantum lasers.
Coherent Corp. (NASDAQ: COHR) – Optics Powering Quantum Systems
Coherent has long been a giant in lasers and optics, serving industries from telecom to defense. In quantum, their relevance is clear:
- Precision Lasers for manipulating qubits in trapped-ion and neutral atom systems.
- Specialty Optical Fibers critical for quantum communication and quantum key distribution (QKD).
- Photonics Partnerships with national labs and research centers exploring quantum photonics platforms.
Takeaway: While not branded as a quantum stock, Coherent is a backbone supplier to multiple quantum research and commercial ecosystems.
Lumentum (NASDAQ: LITE) – Telecom Roots, Quantum Future
Spun out of JDS Uniphase, Lumentum has deep roots in optical networking and lasers. Their role in quantum includes:
- 3D Sensing and VCSEL Arrays that overlap with quantum photonics development.
- High-Power Lasers that can be tuned for quantum applications in communications and sensing.
- Optical Components that overlap with the quantum internet roadmap.
Takeaway: LITE is positioned at the telecom-quantum crossover, benefiting from infrastructure overlap with next-gen quantum networks.
VIAVI Solutions (NASDAQ: VIAV) – Testing the Quantum Future
You can’t scale a quantum computer without testing, measuring, and securing it. VIAVI Solutions fits perfectly here:
- Secure Quantum Networks — VIAVI has worked on projects related to quantum-safe encryption and communication testing.
- Optical Test Systems used by telecom and research companies deploying quantum communication pilots.
- Partnerships in Quantum R&D as networks move toward quantum-enhanced security.
Takeaway: VIAVI’s role is about validation and trust — ensuring that quantum communication systems perform reliably at scale.
Why Investors Should Care About the Photonics Fringe
Quantum computing might still be a decade from full commercial dominance, but the infrastructure is being built today. These companies:
- Generate real revenue now from broader markets (auto, telecom, defense).
- Gain long-term optionality as quantum adoption accelerates.
- Provide a safer entry point for investors interested in quantum without betting solely on unproven startups.
Indie Semiconductor, Coherent, Lumentum, and VIAVI are not the headline-grabbing “quantum darlings.” But they may be the picks and shovels of the next computing revolution.
Final Thoughts
Quantum’s future won’t be built by one company. It will be enabled by a supply chain of photonics innovators quietly solving the hardest problems in lasers, optics, and testing.
If you’re looking at the quantum fringe, these stocks deserve a closer look.
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