Hamamatsu Photonics K.K. is a Japanese manufacturer specialising in photonics technologies for sensing, imaging, measurement, and light generation. Established in 1953, the company has built a global presence supplying optical devices, components, modules, and systems to scientific, medical, industrial, and semiconductor markets.
Hamamatsu Photonics operates as a publicly listed company on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market and employs more than 4,000 people worldwide. Its products are shipped to over 100 countries and are supported by a broad network of research, production, and application-focused facilities.
Core Technologies and Product Areas
Hamamatsu Photonics develops and manufactures a wide range of photonics products, including:
Photomultiplier tubes and optical sensors
Imaging devices and image analysis systems
Light sources, including lamps, LEDs, and lasers
Opto-semiconductor devices such as photodiodes and image sensors
Integrated systems for research, life science, medical, and industrial applications
The company designs both components and complete systems, allowing customers to integrate devices into measurement, imaging, and analytical platforms across varied use cases.
Research, Development, and Manufacturing
Hamamatsu Photonics maintains a strong focus on research and development, reinvesting a significant proportion of annual revenue into R&D activities. Its research spans both fundamental and applied photonics, supported by dedicated facilities including the Central Research Laboratory and specialised development centres.
Manufacturing is carried out across multiple research and production bases, combining precision manufacturing techniques with scalable production capability. The company’s quality management system is aligned with ISO 9001 requirements, supported by industry-specific testing to meet application demands.
Applications and Markets
Hamamatsu Photonics technologies are used across a wide range of sectors, including:
Life sciences and medical diagnostics
Fundamental and applied scientific research
Semiconductor inspection and manufacturing
Environmental measurement and monitoring
Industrial quality control and automation
Automotive and consumer technologies
Its products support both established applications and emerging technologies requiring high sensitivity, accuracy, and reliability.
Company Background
Hamamatsu Photonics was founded by Heihachiro Horiuchi, influenced by the work of Dr Kenjiro Takayanagi, known for early developments in electronic imaging. From its origins in photoelectric conversion technology, the company has expanded steadily into a broad photonics portfolio while maintaining a long-term focus on technical depth and application-driven development.
