South Australian-based quantum company QuantX Labs has partnered with the University of Adelaide to further their existing precision sensing and timekeeping technologies.

Building on previous collaborations with researchers at the University of Adelaide’s Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing (IPAS), this $13.8 million project aims to produce commercial atomic clocks and decrease the size, weight and power (SWaP) while improving reliability and performance.

This technology – in contrast to the vulnerable GPS satellite network currently providing universal timing and positioning information – can provide precise and secure synchronisation to support navigation and positioning, reconnaissance and surveillance, and command and control.

It could also detect GPS spoofing and jamming, and provide reliable positioning, navigation and timing for vessels operating in contested environments, as well as undersea or in dense urban environments.

The product’s potential end users may include the Australian Defence Force and Australian Space Agency, researchers, and data and telecommunications providers.

Lead investigator at QuantX, Dr Sebasitan Ng, said this project aligns with the needs of Defence and addresses competitive commercial niches.

“A key objective of this project is to transform lab-based, low- prototypes into scalable technologies, capable of making an immediate market impact,” said Dr Ng.

General Manager – Technology Development and Acceleration at Defence Trailblazer, Dr Margaret Law, explained that the project will further build on an exciting collaboration.

“QuantX Labs brings a wealth of experience in delivering high-TRL advanced clock and magnetometer products in a real-world environment, while the expertise of the IPAS team has paved the way for world class optical clock technologies,” said Dr Law.

Learn more about QuantX Labs

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Photo: Front row from left: Hamish Earl, Dr Clayton Locke, Dr Fred Baynes, Dr Andy Boes, Dr Ashby Hilton, Dr Margaret Law, Dr Nicolas Bourbeau Hebert, Dr Sebastian Ng.

Back row from left: Dr Elizaveta Klantsataya, Professor Andre Luiten, Dr Reuben Harding.

Sourced from Defence Trailblazer.