Atomic clock physics, quantum IMU operating principles, and technology maturity timelines for GPS-denied navigation.
Why quantum alternatives are needed. Key areas include: GPS jamming and spoofing: demonstrated adversary capabilities and operational consequences; Current INS limitations: drift rates, calibration requirements, and holdover durations; Defence PNT requirements by platform: submarine, aircraft, ground vehicle, dismounted soldier.
Atom interferometry for navigation. Key areas include: Cold atom interferometry physics: Raman transitions, Mach-Zehnder configurations, and sensitivity limits; Quantum accelerometers and gyroscopes: demonstrated precision versus classical MEMS and FOG sensors; Gravity gradiometry: quantum sensors for terrain-referenced navigation and underground detection.
Holdover, synchronisation, and distribution. Key areas include: Optical lattice clocks: strontium and ytterbium performance benchmarks and miniaturisation progress; Chip-scale atomic clocks: CSAC and MAOC for dismounted and small platform applications; Timing distribution: quantum-secured time transfer and holdover strategies for GPS-denied operations.
Quantum PNT system performance modelling. Key areas include: Facilitator-led walkthrough of a quantum INS performance model: drift rate, measurement cadence, and position uncertainty; Comparing quantum versus classical INS drift over mission-relevant timescales (hours to days); Assessing integration architectures: quantum sensor augmenting classical INS versus full quantum replacement.
From laboratory to military platform. Key areas include: SWaP analysis: current quantum sensor packages versus target specifications for each platform class; Vibration compensation: active isolation, post-processing, and hybrid sensor fusion approaches; Environmental qualification: temperature, shock, and electromagnetic compatibility for military deployment.
Government and industry development status. Key areas include: UK MoD quantum PNT programme: published milestones and platform trials; US DARPA A-PhI and ACES programmes: atom interferometry for defence navigation.
Q&A and Technology Investment Planning: this session covers the core principles and technical underpinnings relevant to the subject area.
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