August 26th, 2024

Revolutionary Quantum Compass Could Soon Make GPS-Free Navigation a Reality

Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories are developing a GPS-free quantum compass using silicon photonic microchips for precise navigation, with potential applications in military, resource detection, LIDAR, and quantum computing.

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Revolutionary Quantum Compass Could Soon Make GPS-Free Navigation a Reality

Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories are advancing quantum sensing technology to create a highly accurate, GPS-free navigation system. This new quantum compass utilizes a silicon photonic microchip to perform atom interferometry, a technique that measures acceleration with unprecedented precision. The development aims to reduce reliance on GPS, particularly in scenarios where signals are compromised, such as in military operations. The team has successfully miniaturized components traditionally requiring large setups, making the technology more practical and cost-effective. The new modulator chip, which significantly reduces unwanted light echoes, is central to this innovation and can be mass-produced, lowering costs compared to existing systems. The potential applications extend beyond navigation, with possibilities in detecting underground resources and enhancing technologies like LIDAR and quantum computing. The multidisciplinary team at Sandia is focused on bridging the gap between research and commercial viability, aiming to deploy these quantum sensors for real-world applications.

- Sandia National Laboratories is developing a quantum compass for GPS-free navigation.

- The technology uses silicon photonic microchips for precise atom interferometry.

- Miniaturization of components makes the system more affordable and practical.

- Potential applications include military navigation, resource detection, and advancements in LIDAR and quantum computing.

- The project aims to transition from research to commercial deployment for real-world use.

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Link Icon 3 comments
By @horstbort - 6 months
Related discussion a few weeks ago: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=40692333
By @ars - 6 months
Sounds like it's small amount for a military ship, as it is now.

A bit smaller and cheaper and it'll go on a missile.

By @rNULLED - 6 months
ah, like our ancestors