A recent breakthrough leveraging quantum sensing technology in the field of gravity gradiometry could lead to more accurate surveying and discovery of underground locations, and new tools that eventually replace current gravimeters and ground-penetrating radar.
The finding, just the latest of many pieces of evidence suggesting how quantum technology is changing our world, came courtesy of University of Birmingham researchers from the UK National Quantum Technology Hub in Sensors and Timing, who last month reported in Nature that they had demonstrated a quantum gravity gradiometer for the first time outside of laboratory conditions. Gravity gradiometry is a long-established arena of study and measurement of variations in the Earth's gravitational field, and modern gradiometers are used to measure even the slightest high-frequency spatial variations. Quantum sensing can detect even tinier environmental changes than other types of sensing technology.
In the UK research, a quantum gravity gradiometer was used to find a tunnel buried one meter below the surface outdoors in real-world conditions. Essentially a sensor that overcomes vibration and other environmental impediments, the gradiometer “works by detecting variations in microgravity using the principles of quantum physics, which is based on manipulating nature at the sub-molecular level,” according to a statement from the researchers, who added that current gravity sensors face challenges with vibration, which limits their measurement time for survey applications.
“If these limitations can be addressed, surveys can become faster, more comprehensive and lower cost,” the statement said. A quantum gravity gradiometer could be capable of executing such surveys 10x faster and less expensively than current equipment, translating to reduced costs and delays to construction, rail and road projects; improved prediction of natural phenomena such as volcanic eruptions; discovery of hidden natural resources and built structures; and a better understanding archeological mysteries without damaging excavation.
Kai Bongs, professor and director of innovation, engagement and impact, College for Engineering and Physical Sciences at the university, and who works with the UK National Quantum Technology Hub in Sensors and Timing, told Fierce Electronics via email, “We are expecting that quantum gravity gradiometers will open new opportunities in underground surveying, where they will initially replace gravimeters [devices which measure the strength of gravitational field.]. This is due to the fact that they do not need to wait minutes on each measurement point to integrate our vibrations and hence have the potential to reduce survey times from months to days. Once second generation instruments have become available with more mobility and ease of use, they might start to compete in areas currently dominated by ground-penetrating radar, such that a much larger market will be opened up."
He added that researchers “have just founded a start-up to pursue the engineering of a next-generation prototype, which will be backpack-sized and more mobile, such that it can be employed in wider practical applications.” He also said Teledyne e2v, a UK manufacturer that collaborated with researchers, also worked on a prototype and could become a commercial supplier.
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