Quantum Hive gravity system
Lead Participant:
SILICON MICROGRAVITY LIMITED
Abstract
The Quantum Hive project is a joint initiative between the University of Birmingham (UoB) and Silicon Microgravity (SMG). It aims to deliver an innovative, viable way forward for commercialising the cold atom Quantum sensor developed at the UoB by adopting a hybrid approach with MEMS gravity sensors developed by SMG. Gravity sensors have historically struggled to gain commercial traction but by adopting a hybrid approach using the technical strengths of each sensor system will deliver a gravity sensing system which meets the end-users needs.
The Quantum gravity sensor has the ability to a) provide levels of sensitivity unachievable today with MEMS sensors, b) measure with very low levels of drift and c) provide absolute gravity and gravity gradiometer measurements. However, its form factor, lack of mobility and cost provide a challenge where surveying of larger areas is required. MEMS gravity sensors lack the absolute accuracy of Quantum sensors and have larger drift levels but have a form factor, power consumption and cost which enable them to be deployed either as a single sensor or swarm on drones or autonomous vehicles, stopping to make measurements and then moving again. As a result of these different attributes, a hybrid approach can take advantage of the relative strengths to provide a truly innovative system for use in real world environments.
The Quantum system will be used as a Base station providing an absolute gravity reference for the MEMS sensors. The Quantum Base station (the hive) will have limited mobility being either stationary or mobile of a rail. The MEMS sensors (the bees) will leave Base station on autonomous vehicles or drones, stop to take stationary measurements at pre-defined locations and then return to the Quantum Base for drift elimination.
By adopting this hybrid approach, the project will meet the needs of the end customers who require gravity surveys over a large area in an acceptable time period and at a viable cost. End customers are multiple but include civil engineering companies, utilities, environmental organisations, carbon capture facilities and defence/security entities.
The Quantum gravity sensor has the ability to a) provide levels of sensitivity unachievable today with MEMS sensors, b) measure with very low levels of drift and c) provide absolute gravity and gravity gradiometer measurements. However, its form factor, lack of mobility and cost provide a challenge where surveying of larger areas is required. MEMS gravity sensors lack the absolute accuracy of Quantum sensors and have larger drift levels but have a form factor, power consumption and cost which enable them to be deployed either as a single sensor or swarm on drones or autonomous vehicles, stopping to make measurements and then moving again. As a result of these different attributes, a hybrid approach can take advantage of the relative strengths to provide a truly innovative system for use in real world environments.
The Quantum system will be used as a Base station providing an absolute gravity reference for the MEMS sensors. The Quantum Base station (the hive) will have limited mobility being either stationary or mobile of a rail. The MEMS sensors (the bees) will leave Base station on autonomous vehicles or drones, stop to take stationary measurements at pre-defined locations and then return to the Quantum Base for drift elimination.
By adopting this hybrid approach, the project will meet the needs of the end customers who require gravity surveys over a large area in an acceptable time period and at a viable cost. End customers are multiple but include civil engineering companies, utilities, environmental organisations, carbon capture facilities and defence/security entities.
Lead Participant | Project Cost | Grant Offer |
|---|---|---|
| SILICON MICROGRAVITY LIMITED | £249,898 | £ 174,929 |
Participant |
||
| UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM | £249,850 | £ 249,850 |
People |
ORCID iD |
| Colin Baker (Project Manager) |