An object hidden below ground has been located using quantum technology, a long-awaited milestone with profound implications for industry, human knowledge and national security.
The researchers from the UK National Quantum Technology Hub have reported their achievement in Nature. It is the first quantum gravity gradiometer outside of a lab.
The Ministry of Defense developed a quantum gravity gradiometer that was used to find a tunnel one meter below the ground. It wins a race to take technology outside.
The sensor uses the principles of quantum physics to detect variations in microgravity.
The path to improved mapping of what exists below ground level has been opened by the success.
This is what it will mean.
Professor Kai Bongs, head of cold atom physics at the University of Birmingham and principal investigator of the UK Quantum Technology Hub Sensors and Timing, said that this is a "Edison moment" in sensor technology that will transform society, human understanding and economies.
We have the potential to end reliance on poor records and luck as we explore, build and repair with this breakthrough. In addition, an underground map of what is currently invisible is now a significant step closer, ending a situation where we know more about Antarctica than what lies a few feet below our streets.
There are a range of environmental factors that limit current gravity sensors. The measurement time of gravity sensors for survey applications is limited by vibration. If these limitations can be fixed, surveys can be done more quickly and cost less.
The sensor developed by Dr. Holynski is a gravity gradiometer. Their system is able to overcome environmental challenges in order to apply quantum technology in the field.
The culmination of a long-term development program that has been closely linked to end- users is what the successful detection is.
Future gravity surveys will be cheaper, more reliable and delivered 10 times faster thanks to this breakthrough. It has the potential to open a range of new applications for gravity survey.
Professor George Tuckwell, director for geoscience and engineering atRSK, said that detecting ground conditions such as mine workings, tunnels and unstable ground is fundamental to our ability to design, construct and maintain housing, industry and infrastructure. The improved capability that this new technology represents could transform how we map the ground and deliver these projects.
The breakthrough is a collaboration between the University of Birmingham, environmental, engineering and sustainable solutions provider, and Teledyne e2v.
More information: Michael Holynski, Quantum sensing for gravity cartography, Nature (2022). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-04315-3. www.nature.com/articles/s41586-021-04315-3 Journal information: Nature Citation: Sensor breakthrough paves way for groundbreaking map of world under Earth surface (2022, February 23) retrieved 23 February 2022 from https://phys.org/news/2022-02-sensor-breakthrough-paves-groundbreaking-world.html This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.
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