A new tool from Imperial College London is being tested to help locate objects with greater accuracy than traditional GPS systems. Dr. Joseph Cotter, of the Cold Matter Center at Imperial College London, recently wore special equipment on a trip on the London Underground to conduct experiments related to quantum compasses.
These quantum compasses are designed to outperform current location methods that rely on global navigation satellite systems such as GPS. These traditional systems can be affected by bad weather, interference and obstacles like tall buildings, which limit their accuracy. The quantum compass is designed to reliably determine its own position without relying on external signals.
At the heart of the quantum compass is an accelerometer that can measure the change in velocity of an object over time, allowing precise calculations of its future position. Using supercold atoms at temperatures near absolute zero, researchers can use quantum mechanics to make very precise measurements. These atoms behave in a quantum manner, acting as both matter and waves simultaneously to provide precise location data.
While the quantum positioning system has shown promise in laboratory tests, further testing in more extreme conditions, such as subway tunnels, is needed to ensure its effectiveness as a portable and standalone device. The system has the potential to revolutionize location tracking in a variety of applications, including underground transport systems such as the London Underground.