HARLEQUIN - High-Accuracy Robust deployabLE QUantum Inertial Navigation

Global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) provide an easily-accessed source of timing and location data. However, GNSS is vulnerable to jamming and spoofing and is not available in sub-terrain and sub-marine environments. A dead reckoning-based inertial navigation system (INS) utilises accelerometers and gyroscopes to deduce movement without reliance on any external systems. However, no sensor based on classical physics has reached the necessary stability and accuracy desired for GNSS holdover.

A quantum-hybrid INS, measuring spatial movement using the input from both quantum-enabled and classical sensors, can offer significant performance improvements over existing classical INSs. This project will deliver a quantum-classical hybrid INS demonstrator, built around CPI TMD's existing gMOT product -- a compact, portable magneto optical trap (MOT) powered by a USB battery. The system will integrate a MOT-derived accelerometer with a classical ring laser gyroscope and an atomic clock to allow precise measurement of changes in position, and will be suitable for use on a maritime platform.

Project lead CPI TMD Technologies Ltd. will output a commercially viable sovereign system that can be manufactured at scale for use by civilian and defence end-users. CPI TMD will bring their vacuum and sub-system integration capabilities as well as a strong commercial drive from their network of potential end users, and leverage a UK supply chain built over 8 years developing quantum technologies.