Q-CTRL Partners with the Australian Department of Defense to Develop Quantum Sensors for Better Positioning and Navigation

A common concern for many government organizations is whether they can acquire alternative systems for military navigation within the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) reject environment. This could be due to adversary interfering with the GNSS signal, satellite failure, or other reasons. One solution being studied by several groups is developing highly sensitive and accurate sensors based on quantum technology.

Q-CTRL has signed a contract to develop the sensor with Australian Department of Defence. Q-CTRL, which created its Quantum Sensors division in 2022, has developed a software-defined quantum sensor technology that can sense small changes in the gravitational field as well as acceleration. Because the Earth’s gravitational field is not uniform, magnetic sensors can help determine a location by comparing the currently measured gravitational field to that previously measured and recorded on a map. The main technology that Q-CTRL will use is their advanced quantum control software which can remove noise from the signal and provide roughness so that accuracy will not be affected when the device is mounted on a moving platform. Software control also provides flexibility so that sensors can be changed on the fly to measure things with just a software change.

More information about Q-CTRL’s work in this area can be found in the news release Here announced their latest partnership with the Australian Department of Defence, a web page on the Q-CTRL website providing information about their quantum sensor technology Hereand a recently published technical paper explaining how their powerful control technology can increase device sensitivity in dynamic environments Here.

July 11, 2023