Skylark Lasers, a Scottish photonics company, has secured an investment of more than 2 million pounds from Innovate UK. The funding is set to catalyse the development of the next generation of quantum-enabled navigation and time-keeping systems, says the company in a press release.
- Skylark Lasers receives £2+ million from Innovate UK for quantum-enabled navigation development.
- Funding to scale quantum gravity sensors for precise ship navigation and hazard avoidance.
- Quantum technology revolutionizes maritime navigation, enhancing supply chain efficiency and resilience.
Anchoring Quantum Navigation
The primary aim is to establish and scale the production of quantum gravity sensors, which play a crucial role in the autonomous navigation of shipping vessels and improve navigational precision for tankers at sea.
These quantum gravity sensors leverage the principles of quantum mechanics to detect and measure minute variations in gravity, allowing ships to precisely navigate their routes and avoid potential hazards. By harnessing quantum technology, this initiative aims to revolutionize maritime navigation, making it more reliable, efficient, and resilient to disruptions, ultimately benefiting the entire supply chain and maritime industry.
Significance
The significance of quantum-enabled navigation systems is underscored by a recent study conducted by Innovate UK. This study revealed that a failure in Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) could cost the UK a staggering £500 million per day. The precise and reliable navigation provided by quantum technology is poised to mitigate such potential disruption to the nation’s supply chain.
Navigating the Quantum Wave
Dr. Ben Szutor, CEO of Skylark Lasers, expressed excitement about the funding. “This new funding will enable the full-scale commercialisation of our quantum portfolio. These innovations have the potential to revolutionise ship and rail navigation, civil engineering, and underground resource exploration sectors which will have a significant influence on global supply chain efficiencies,” said Szutor.
A Beacon of Quantum Innovation
Skylark Lasers specialises in the design and manufacture of ultra-reliable, high-performance, single-frequency DPSS lasers. These are compact and efficient lasers that use a diode to pump energy into a solid material, producing a powerful and focused laser beam with specific colors for various applications. This technology relies on the principles of quantum mechanics.
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