British researchers have developed the world’s first quantum ‘compass’ The portable navigation device helps locate the position of an object without needing GPS. Thanks to its quantum mode of operation, this device is safe and cannot shut down. It’s not even vulnerable to intrusion from hackers.
The Ministry of Defence funded the wearable device, developed by the Imperial College London, because of its potential military applications.
“It’s fully self-suficient and particularly useful if you want to navigate a large ship or autonomous vehicles for long periods of time without having to send or receive any signals to know where it is,” said researcher Joseph Cotter.
Global GPS navigation relies on satellites, easily disrupted by an intentional cyberattack.
It’s important to note that GPS signals may sometimes be lost due to natural causes or environmental interference. As Cotter said, “it is impossible to have a GPS signal anywhere in the world.”
The new system, a quantum accelerometer, measures how fast an object’s velocity changes over time. Microscopic accelerometers have existed in “smart” mobile phones and laptops for a while now. However, without external assistance, they have only been able to last for a few hours max.
The new quantum “compass” can measure the subtle motion of atoms at extremely low temperatures. In this super-cold state of matter, atoms behave quantumly as both particles and waves. Created by MSquared, a powerful laser controls them using a special design. This laser also acts as the ‘optical ruler’ which measures the movements of the atoms. It then allows for orientation.
For the moment, quantum “compasses” can only be put on certain large ships, planes or vehicles. Researchers are working on creating smaller versions of them so they can even go into smartphones.
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Author: PC-GR
The World of Technology
