Navigation by detecting anomalies in Earth's magnetic field

In summary, the conversation discusses a recent article about "Quantum Navigation" which describes a new method of navigation by detecting anomalies in Earth's magnetic field. The speaker is curious about the relationship between this technology and quantum mechanics, and whether the term "quantum" is simply being used for marketing purposes. They mention several potential quantum technologies that could be used for navigation, including using NV-centres for a sensitive compass and utilizing quantum interference of cold atoms for inertial navigation and gravity sensing. These technologies have been used in the lab for years and are now being commercialized by companies and universities. The conversation also includes a lighthearted reference to a paper discussing "Quantum Robin" navigation.
  • #1
Buzz Bloom
Gold Member
2,519
467
Today I came across an article (not from a authoritative journal) about "Quantum Navigation".
It is about a method to do navigation by detecting anomalies in Earth's magnetic field. I tried (and failed) to find a reference which described what this technology has to do with QM. Does anyone know about such a relationship, or is "quantum" just used to name this technology for hyping purposes?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
There are a bunch of quantum technologies that could potentially be used for navigation.
This can be a simple as using e.g. NV-centres to make an extremely sensitive compass.

However, the most interesting technologies for applications are using quantum interference of cold atoms (meaning it is really "quantum").
These can be used for inertial navigation (with a much, much higher precision than say a laser gyro) as well as for gravity sensors.

These technologies have been used in the lab for a number of years; a number of companies and universities around the world are now in the process of commercializing them.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Likes Buzz Bloom
  • #3
  • Like
Likes Buzz Bloom

Related to Navigation by detecting anomalies in Earth's magnetic field

1. What is navigation by detecting anomalies in Earth's magnetic field?

Navigation by detecting anomalies in Earth's magnetic field is a method of determining location and direction by using changes in the Earth's magnetic field. This technique is based on the fact that the Earth's magnetic field is not uniform and varies in strength and direction in different locations.

2. How does navigation by detecting anomalies in Earth's magnetic field work?

This method works by using a device called a magnetometer to measure the strength and direction of the Earth's magnetic field at a particular location. By comparing these measurements to known variations in the Earth's magnetic field, the device can determine the location and direction of the user.

3. What are the advantages of using navigation by detecting anomalies in Earth's magnetic field?

One of the main advantages of this method is that it does not require any external signals, such as GPS satellites, to determine location and direction. This makes it useful in areas where GPS signals may not be available, such as in remote locations or underground.

4. What are the limitations of navigation by detecting anomalies in Earth's magnetic field?

One limitation is that the Earth's magnetic field is constantly changing, so the device must be regularly calibrated to ensure accurate readings. Additionally, this method is less precise than other navigation techniques, such as GPS, and may not be suitable for precise navigation over long distances.

5. What are some real-world applications of navigation by detecting anomalies in Earth's magnetic field?

This method has been used in a variety of applications, including navigation for ships, submarines, and aircraft, as well as in mining and surveying. It can also be used for navigation in environments where traditional methods may be unreliable, such as in the Arctic where GPS signals can be disrupted by magnetic variations.

Similar threads

I Hamiltonian of a particle in a magnetic field
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
10
Views
2K
How can I detect magnetic fields which are weaker than the Earth's?
    • Electrical Engineering
Replies
17
Views
1K
BBC Jim Al-Khalili Presentation -- robin bird eyes use quantum entanglement?
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
10
Views
3K
Imperial-Metric Unit conversion for Magnetic Field Gradiometer?
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
2
Views
1K
How Do Fish Use Magnetic Fields to Navigate?
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
3K
I Could Tim Maudlin's Views on Bell and QM Be Flawed?
    • Quantum Interpretations and Foundations
2
Replies
37
Views
2K
A Experiments probing the macroscopic limits of QM
    • Quantum Physics
2
Replies
45
Views
10K
I How does mars have a magnetic field, with a cooled core?
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
10
Views
3K
Axion signature in the presence of strong magnetic fields?
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
5
Views
2K
I Where Can I Find a High-Turn Solenoid for Low Current and Strong Magnetic Field?
    • Classical Physics
Replies
9
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top