Science & Technology, UK (Commonwealth Union) – The realm of science and technology, has had quantum mechanics revolutionize our understanding of the microscopic world. Its principles have given rise to a range of extraordinary technologies, and one such innovation that is rapidly gaining attention is quantum sensors. These cutting-edge devices harness the power of quantum mechanics to detect and measure physical quantities with unprecedented precision, opening up new frontiers in fields like navigation, imaging, and fundamental research. At their core, quantum sensors utilize the unique properties of quantum systems to perform measurements with incredible sensitivity. Traditional sensors, such as accelerometers or magnetometers, rely on classical physics principles and have limitations in their precision and accuracy. Quantum sensors, on the other hand, exploit quantum phenomena like superposition and entanglement to achieve unprecedented levels of performance.
A prototype quantum sensor produced at the Imperial College London, with possible utilizations in GPS-free navigation, was experimented with together with the Royal Navy.
The experiment was described by researchers as the marking of a significant leap forward in taking new quantum technologies from the lab toward real-world settings.
The widely used navigation systems currently depend on global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), with GPS technology, that applies signals from satellites that circulate the globe. The obstacle to using, GPS navigation is that it is not accessible at all times, blockage such as tall buildings can cause obstruction to satellite signals, making them further susceptible to jamming, imitation, or denial, thereby being an obstacle for precise navigation. Estimations indicate that a single day of satellite service denial can result in a cost of £1 billion to the UK, as indicated in the study.
Self-contained satellite-free navigation systems are available but the present technologies lose their preciseness unless they are often calibrated applying satellites. The quantum sensor has the possibility of taking away this drift, significantly enhancing the precise nature over long timescales.
The most recent Imperial College quantum sensor was merged into a Qinetiq NavyPOD, which is an interchangeable speedy prototyping platform, prior to setting sail to London aboard a new Royal Navy research ship known as the XV Patrick Blackett.
The experiment is the 1st move in gaining knowledge on the application and exploitation of quantum-enabled navigation, capable of giving vital navigational opportunities when tasks are underway in satellite-denied locations.
The lead scientist Dr Joseph Cotter, of the quantum sensor from the Department of Physics at Imperial College London, says “Access to the Patrick Blackett provides us with a unique opportunity to take quantum sensors out of the lab and into the real-world environments, where they are needed.”
“Working with Imperial College London on this project has been an exciting and interesting opportunity for all of us. So far, the testing has gone well but the technology is still in its very early stages. It’s great to be a part of Royal Navy history,” said Commander Michael Hutchinson, who is Commanding Officer of XV Patrick Blackett.
The Imperial quantum sensor is a recent accelerometer. Accelerometers can gauge an object’s velocity alterations over a period. The merger of this information with rotation measurements as well as the starting point of the object, the present area can be calculated as indicated by researchers.
The quantum accelerometer utilizes ultracold atoms to conduct highly precise measurements. As it is cooled to much lesser temperatures the atoms begin to show their ‘quantum’ nature, which can bring about wave-like properties. The movement of the atoms via the sensor, an ‘optical ruler’ is produced by utilizing a series of laser pulses. This permits the increase of the atoms to be accurately measured.
The findings are likely to open up a whole new area in naval navigation for ships across the world which has had rapid advancements in many different types of technology in recent years.
