10179458Holey G-RAILClosedCollaborative R&DInnovate UKGravity gradiometers are capable of measuring the spatial variation of the local gravitational field by measuring the difference in gravity between two nearby points. This allows them to detect variations in sub-surface density which in turn can be used for a wide range of civil and military applications. This project aims to investigate the feasibility of implementing a gravity gradiometer based upon a grating magneto-optical trap (gMOT) for use in the UK rail sector. In particular, the project aims to understand the impact this technology will have on the assessment of aging rail assets (e.g., bridges, tunnels), the monitoring of new construction work (e.g., undesired sub-surface ground movement), and the ability to navigate in GNSS-denied environments through gravity map matching (e.g., tunnels, mineshafts). Research has shown quantum-enabled gravity gradiometers to be capable of a ~100-fold increase in sensitivity over classical devices, and CPI TMD intend to investigate the benefit this will bring to solving known issues in the railway sector. Project lead CPI TMD will build upon their existing gMOT-based gravity gradiometer (GRADUATE) development work and will work alongside rail sector end-users and technical experts in the development of key subsystems. They will investigate and develop the use case for the technology, along with a business case detailing the technologies route to market. The project will position itself for a phase 2, which will see CPI TMD undertake the necessary system testing, verification and validation to satisfy the use cases identified within this project.