Four locally-developed quantum technology clocks have been successfully trialled in the United States, as part of the Australian Government’s investment in AUKUS Pillar II capabilities.
Adelaide-based QuantX Labs and the University of Adelaide’s Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing (IPAS) each contributed two quantum clocks, which were tested by AUKUS partners over a six-week period in Washington D.C. The clocks were tested under various environmental conditions to assess their performance and potential for defence applications including communication and navigation systems.
The world-leading clocks were developed in Adelaide in partnership with the Defence Science and Technology Group, and supported by Australian Government funding.
Specialising in developing precision timing and sensing technologies, including its TEMPO optical atomic clocks, QuantX Labs shared in a post to LinkedIn emphasising that the milestone “marks a major step forward for sovereign quantum timing technology, with TEMPO demonstrating its potential to deliver resilient, high-precision synchronisation and navigation in environments where GPS is unreliable or unavailable.”
Quantum technologies is one of several advanced technology streams identified for collaboration under Pillar II of the AUKUS agreement. Quantum clock technology is used to assure the synchronisation of communications networks, detect GPS spoofing and jamming, and provide reliable position, navigation and timing in contested environments.
Sharing the news on LinkedIn, IPAS stated that the milestone highlights the power of collaboration between academia, industry and government and showcases how the depth of photonics research at IPAS is delivering leading technologies with real-world impact.
The outcomes of the quantum clock trial will be shared among AUKUS partners to analyse how the technology may be used in future defence operations across the AUKUS alliance.
South Australia is emerging as a leader in quantum technologies for defence, leveraging its world-class research institutions and advanced industry capabilities to drive innovation in precision timing technologies.
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Image: Clayton Locke from QuantX, Benjamin Sparkes from University of Adelaide, The Hon. Pat Conroy MP and Tanya Munro AC
(Credit: Defence Trailblazer LinkedIn)
