The Royal Navy of the United Kingdom has successfully tested quantum navigation for maritime vessels
The Royal Navy of the United Kingdom has tested a quantum navigation system that can determine the coordinates of a ship without using GPS. The technology was developed by scientists at Imperial College London, according to Sky News.
There is little information available about the technical details of the development - scientists mention the use of unique properties of atoms. Thanks to this quantum navigation system, ships can orient themselves with greater accuracy than traditional methods such as maps, compasses, and the widely popular satellite navigation. It is also important to note that this technology can work even on submarines, where conventional GPS systems do not function due to the signal being unable to penetrate the thickness of water. Therefore, this development has the potential to provide a new impetus to the field of navigation systems.
The first prototype of this system was demonstrated in 2018. Since then, a team of British scientists has been improving the technology and has finally been able to test it under field conditions.
The quantum sensor created by researchers is a new type of accelerometer (a device that measures how an object's velocity changes over time). By combining this information with rotation data and the object's initial position, its current location can be calculated.
Conventional accelerometers are used in many devices such as mobile phones and laptops, but they cannot maintain their accuracy over extended periods without an external reference. On the other hand, a quantum accelerometer uses ultracold atoms to conduct high-precision measurements. When cooled to extremely low temperatures, particles begin to exhibit their "quantum" nature with "wave-like properties." As the atoms move through the sensor, a series of laser pulses form an "optical ruler," allowing for precise measurement of atom acceleration.
The experiment was conducted on the new Royal Navy vessel, XV Patrick Blackett. Observers note that the ship, which boasts an elegant design, tinted windows, and a glossy black hull, became the perfect setting for this "futuristic experiment."
It is worth mentioning that the United Kingdom actively supports Ukraine in its war against Russia. The country provides Ukraine with modern weapons, including long-range precision missiles like the Storm Shadow and Challenger 2 tanks, among others. Ukrainian military personnel also receive training in the United Kingdom.