Quantum Compass

2018: Announcement of a quantum compass

In November, 2018 the British researchers from Imperial college in London in cooperation with specialists in quantum technologies of M Squared Lasers company provided the system of navigation using a so-called quantum compass. The new tool which received the name the name Quantum Compass allows to define location of an object with a high accuracy, without using at the same time satellites or other external equipment.

The device is the first-ever quantum accelerometer. Its uniqueness is that it can precisely define the position in space on the basis of subatomic effects of an earth magnetic field, and does not depend on such factors as blocking of a signal and strong noises from external influences. The project was developed within five years under financing of the government of Great Britain.

Unlike GPS and other methods of navigation working at a basis of the global navigation satellite system (GNSS), the quantum compass works independently that more protects it from unauthorized access. For example, it is possible to crack GPS and to forge coordinates with serious effects for military and commercial navigation. Completely isolated quantum compass is protected from such attacks.

The quantum compass providing navigation without satellites is provided

Besides, the quantum compass provides economic independence of the organizations using it, even one day without access to satellites will cost Great Britain almost $1.3 billion. The civil option of GPS provides accuracy to 4.5 meters, used by military — to several centimeters. But even this level of accuracy can be compromised easily – to deliver the high building on the way of a signal enough. The quantum compass is capable to estimate precisely even the smallest deviations.

The main scope of this technology navigation is considered so far. Further expansion of the sphere of its use is planned.^[1]

By November, 2018 Quantum Compass, according to developers, is ready for commercial use.

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