Sensitivity to jamming is a significant military vulnerability Global positioning system (GPS) Signal – through a Defense innovation unit contract, Leidos (NYSE: LDOS) develops an alternative navigation technology which measures variations in the terrestrial magnetic field and uses the quantum properties of nitrogen in diamonds.
Quantum detection uses microscopic particles which may exist simultaneously in several states to more precisely detect the aspects of geophysical properties such as magnetic fields. Leidos has been doing quantum work for years, applying it to a variety of cybersecurity and detection applications.
The sensor is developed by Electronics frequency, INC. under subcontracting of Leidos and in collaboration with Mit Lincoln Lab.
In the end, Leidos intends to control a Magnav system with the new magnetometer. In the event of success, technology has the potential to considerably advance navigation technology for military use.
With magnetic navigation (Magnav), there is no signal to blur“said Aaron Cancani, The director of the Leidos Transition team in quantum transition (TQS) and an former Air Force scientist who is a pioneer in technology. “”The only thing Magnav needs is a very sensitive magnetometer, where the quantum comes into play. Quantum magnetometers have the potential to considerably increase the position and attitude details in magnetic navigation systems. The diamond-diamond nitrogen vacuums use the crystalline structure of a diamond to define a detection axis in which quantum measurements of the complete vector field can be known for exquisite details. These quantum measures are linked to the magnetic field through constants based on fundamental physics. “”