Reference articles on history, science, culture and more
Surprise meSurprise meSubscribe
Encyclopedia

Quantum compass

Atom-based system to determine relative location

Wikipedia contributorsAdapted for Fathomly · View authors
1 min read
Source updated November 20, 2025

A quantum compass is an instrument which measures relative position using the technique of atom interferometry. It includes an ensemble of accelerometers and gyroscope based on quantum technology to form an inertial navigation unit.

01Description

Work on quantum technology based inertial measurement units (IMUs), the instruments containing the gyroscopes and accelerometers, follows from early demonstrations of matter-wave based accelerometers and gyrometers. The first demonstration of onboard acceleration measurement was made on an Airbus A300 in 2011.

A quantum compass contains clouds of atoms frozen using lasers. By measuring the movement of these frozen particles over precise periods of time the motion of the device can be calculated. The device would then provide accurate position in circumstances where satellites are not available for satellite navigation, e.g. a fully submerged submarine.

Various defence agencies worldwide, such as the US DARPA and the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence have pushed the development of prototypes for future uses in submarines and aircraft.

In 2024, researchers from the Centre for Cold Matter of Imperial College, London, tested an experimental quantum compass on an underground train on London's District line. During the same year, scientists at the Sandia National Laboratories announced they were able to perform spatial quantum sensing using silicon photonic microchip components, a significant advancement towards the development of compact, portable and inexpensive quantum compass devices.

Watch videos about Quantum compassExplainers and documentaries on YouTube (opens in a new tab)

Sources and credits

This article is adapted from the Wikipedia article “Quantum compass”, written by its contributors and licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Fathomly has changed the layout, removed citation markers, navigation and maintenance notices, and adjusted punctuation. This adapted version is shared under the same license. For references, see the original article.

Fathomly is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Wikimedia Foundation. Spotted a problem? Tell us.

Continue exploring

Related topics

Quantum logic clock

A quantum clock is a type of atomic clock with laser cooled single ions confined together in an electromagnetic ion trap. Developed in 2010 by physicists at the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology, the clock was 37 times more precise than the then-existing international standard.

Atomic clock

An atomic clock is a clock that measures time by monitoring the resonant frequency of atoms. It is based on the fact that atoms have quantised energy levels, and transitions between such levels are driven by very specific frequencies of electromagnetic radiation.

Optical clock

Optical clocks are a subset of atomic clocks and are based on transitions that emit electromagnetic radiation in the range of 200 nm to 1000 nm. Like other atomic clocks, they are based on the measurement of the resonant frequency of atoms.