The Royal Navy has successfully conducted the inaugural trial of a quantum navigation system, showcasing its potential to provide precise global positioning for vessels without relying on GPS, as reported by Sky News.
Navigating with accuracy
Physicists at Imperial College in London have developed a quantum-based technology that allows for more precise measurement of an object’s movement compared to conventional methods. This technology could enable ships to navigate with greater accuracy than traditional chart and compass methods or satellite-based navigation systems. Colonel Tom Ryan, the head of Navy X, the Royal Navy’s research division, emphasizes the importance of having a new and innovative method for accurately plotting a ship’s position, especially in cases where satellite navigation is unreliable or unavailable. While the Royal Navy remains tight-lipped about the specific applications of this technology, the limitations of GPS usage for submarines and the Navy’s silence on submarine technologies suggest that it could have implications for underwater navigation.
Quantum accelerometer
On the experimental vessel XV Patrick Blackett, the Navy is testing a quantum accelerometer, a cutting-edge technology hidden inside a shipping container. Dr Joe Cotter from Imperial College explains that the challenge lies in making the sensor work in real-world conditions with movement, changing magnetic fields, and vibrations. The exact details of the technology remain confidential, but a visit to the prototype at Imperial College’s Blackett Laboratory reveals that it consists of a compressed steel sphere containing rubidium-87 atoms, which are cooled and measured to create the quantum accelerometer.
Long-term use
Researchers at Imperial College use laser light to trap atoms and exploit their quantum behaviour. When cooled to just above absolute zero, the atoms exhibit wave-like properties, allowing for precise measurement of gravity’s influence and determining the speed and direction of movement. By encoding acceleration and rotation signals in the internal states of the atoms, the system becomes more robust and can operate for longer periods. This technology offers the potential for extended navigation without relying on other external references. The Navy’s trial aims to assess the feasibility of implementing this fragile quantum system in real-world maritime conditions and determine its practicality for long-term use at sea.
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Source: Sky News
