Leonardo DRS quantum-focused laser technology receives award for groundbreaking innovation

Leonardo DRS, Inc. announced its cutting-edge Stretto semiconductor laser technology has been honored with the prestigious SPIE Prism Award for its exceptional innovation in Quantum Technologies for 2025. The annual award honors the best new optics and photonics products on the market.

The company’s Stretto product line is a first-of-its-kind ruggedized advanced laser system that offers high-precision performance. The unique system provides users with consistent operational reliability in challenging environmental conditions for the development of quantum-based capabilities.

As a longtime leader in the development of reliable advanced laser systems for the U.S. military, commercial industry, and scientific community, the company leveraged its deep experience to develop this innovative and compact system to provide users with a distinct advantage in the support of scientific advancements in quantum computing, quantum sensing and quantum communications.

“The Prism Awards honors companies that are driving significant and meaningful advancements in photonics, and we are thrilled to see our innovative Stretto system recognized as a leader in laser solutions for quantum information sciences,” says Dr. Timothy Day, senior vice president and general manager, of the Leonardo DRS Daylight Solutions business unit. “By integrating cutting-edge laser technology with a vertically integrated supply chain and robust design, Strett is redefining how researchers and industries can leverage quantum technology.”

Quantum science is rapidly revolutionizing scientific fields and technological applications, producing unprecedented results for commercial, scientific and military applications. Leonardo DRS is at the forefront of pioneering and producing best-in-class, next-generation lasers that support the advancement of quantum technologies, with a focus on developing innovative, scalable, and high-performance solutions to enable new markets and multiple industries.

The annual Prism Award is presented by SPIE, a leading international society for optics and photonics focused on advancing light-based science and technology. Leonardo DRS was selected for the Prism Award by a panel of international judges representing government agencies, commercial enterprises, academia, and the broader photonics industry.