The first quantum “compass”

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Researchers in Britain have  built the world’s first quantum “compass”,  a navigation device that helps locate the location of an object without being based on “GPS”.

Thanks to its quantum mode of operation and to the fact that it does not need a satellite signal, it is impossible to receive interference and be hacked by hackers.

The mobile device, a physics and engineering creation from London’s “Imperial College”, was funded by the “British Defense Ministry” for its potential military applications, including the British nuclear submarines that want to remain silent for a long time on the seabed.

” It is fully self-sufficient and particularly useful if one wants to navigate a large ship or stand-alone vehicles for long periods without having to send or receive any signals to know where it is”,

said researcher Joseph Cotter.

Global navigation system “GPS” depends on satellites, which makes it vulnerable to interference or interruption of the signal, especially in case of deliberate cyber-attack by enemy forces or malicious hackers. It has been noticed that even modern pirates are tricking merchant ships by trapping them by interfering with the “GPS” of the ships.

The “GPS” signal may also be lost due to natural causes (eg space weather disturbances) or environmental (eg interference of very high buildings). As Cotter said,

“It ‘s impossible to have a GPS signal anywhere in the world .”

The new system -a quantum accelerometer- measures how quickly an object’s speed changes over time. Tiny-quantum accelerometers are already in devices like “smart” mobile phones and laptops, but -without external help- can be used for accurate navigation for only a few hours.

The  new quantum “compass” measures the subtle movement of atoms at an extremely low temperature, close to absolute zero. In this hyper-superficial state of matter, atoms, who behave quantum both as matter and as waves, are controlled by a special powerful laser manufactured by the British company “MSquared”. This laser also acts as the “optical ruler” in which the movements of atoms are measured, which then allows orientation.

At present, the quantum “compass” is large enough and can only be placed on ships, planes or large vehicles, but  researchers are working to reduce it so it can even be integrated into a smartphone.

Source: CNN-Greece