A special atomic clock created in a secret lab in the UK is set to make military operations safer using new quantum technology. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced this new clock, saying it will help with intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance by reducing the need for GPS technology, which can easily be disrupted by enemies. This is the first atomic clock of its kind built in the UK and is expected to be ready for military use in five years.
The innovative design of this clock is extremely accurate; it will only lose less than one second in billions of years! This means scientists can measure time better than ever before. Maria Eagle, the Defence Procurement and Industry Minister, emphasized that this technology shows how committed the government is to improving national defense. It will not only help the military but also boost job growth and the UK’s science field.
The MoD has invested over £28 million in this research to gain an advantage in new technology. This trial marks the first success of testing a UK-made optical atomic clock outside a lab, aiming to offer better timing capabilities beyond current global navigation systems (GNSS). The DSTL warns that GNSS has vulnerabilities, so this clock can provide a reliable timekeeping system controlled within the UK.
Paul Hollinshead, the DSTL Chief Executive, said this trial is crucial for understanding how good quantum clocks are and how they can benefit military and public services. The new clock can help improve GPS accuracy, which means safer satellite communications and better aircraft navigation. The aim is to create smaller versions of the clock for mass production, which could be used in military vehicles and aircraft.
Some key benefits of this new atomic clock include:
– More precise navigation without the need for GPS satellites, which can be jammed or destroyed.
– Secure communication systems that require careful timekeeping.
– Improved accuracy of advanced weapons, like guided missiles, which depend on precise timing.
– Helping UK forces gain an advantage over enemies in situations where timing is crucial, especially in cyber warfare.
The trial involved teams from companies like Infleqtion (UK), Aquark Technologies, HCD Research, and Imperial College London, alongside work done in the DSTL’s quantum lab. The Royal Navy and Army Futures Team also participated in testing the clock. Commander Matt Steele from the Royal Navy proudly shared that after much effort in understanding quantum technologies, they are finally close to making them a reality.