Exploring Quantum Technology

Britain just built a quantum compass that navigates without GPS — and it never loses signal underground. The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory at Porton Down, in partnership with Imperial College London, has developed a quantum accelerometer navigation system based on atom interferometry — a technique that measures the quantum mechanical wave properties of ultracold rubidium atoms to detect acceleration and rotation with a precision 1,000 times greater than any conventional accelerometer ever built. GPS works by triangulating signals from satellites orbiting 20,000 kilometres above Earth. It fails in tunnels, underwater, in dense urban canyons, and in any environment where the satellite signal is blocked or jammed. Modern warfare, submarine navigation, and underground infrastructure all share the same vulnerability: GPS blackout means position blackout. The quantum compass has no such vulnerability. It measures motion by tracking how ultracold atom clouds behave under acceleration — a physical process determined entirely by quantum mechanics, requiring no external signal, no satellite, and no radio frequency whatsoever. It simply knows where it is, always, because physics tells it. In field trials, the system maintained positional accuracy to within 1 metre after 1 hour of GPS-denied navigation — compared to 1 kilometre drift from the best conventional inertial navigation systems over the same period. The UK Ministry of Defence has classified the full deployment timeline. What is known: it works. Defence Science and Technology Laboratory — DSTL (2024)

Scientists just trapped 78,400 atoms using a single flat surface thinner than a human hair, a breakthrough that could unlock the next era of quantum computing. By holding thousands of atoms in precise positions, researchers can create highly controlled quantum systems, a critical step toward building scalable, reliable quantum devices. This flat surface acts as a stable platform where quantum states can be maintained, minimizing interference and decoherence, which are major challenges in quantum technology. The experiment could accelerate the development of advanced quantum computers capable of solving problems far beyond the reach of classical machines, from drug discovery to material design. Trapping atoms at this scale demonstrates how quantum physics can be harnessed with extreme precision, revealing the potential to control matter at the smallest levels and reshape the future of computing. Thank YOU — Quantum Cookie In March 2026, physicists at Tsinghua University in China (led by researchers including Tao Zhang) demonstrated an optical metasurface — a single flat silicon nitride chip, patterned with nanoscale pillars and thinner than a human hair—that can generate a 280 × 280 array of 78,400 individual optical tweezers from one input laser beam. These tweezers are focused laser spots that trap and hold individual neutral atoms (likely rubidium or similar) in precise positions with high uniformity (>96% intensity consistency across the array). The metasurface replaces bulky, complex traditional optics like spatial light modulators (SLMs) and acousto-optic deflectors (AODs), making the setup far more compact, stable, scalable, and CMOS-compatible for manufacturing. Why this matters for quantum computing Neutral-atom platforms are promising for quantum computers because atoms are identical, can have long coherence times, and support two-qubit gates via Rydberg interactions. Scaling them up has been limited by the difficulty of creating and controlling huge numbers of stable traps without massive, expensive optical systems. This work shows a path to tens of thousands (or more) of trapped atoms on a simpler platform, addressing a key bottleneck. The team is already working on a larger ~19.5 mm metasurface aimed at >10,000 atoms in a more practical external configuration. Similar metasurface approaches have been explored by groups at Columbia University and others, but this hits a notable record for a single flat device generating that many traps.

Imagine for a moment that you're at sea sailing a tanker. It's night, and a new moon. In the middle of the Red Sea it's dark - the only thing you see is the reflection of your instruments in the windows of the bridge. You're tracking position inside the shipping lanes and all seems well. The only hint of trouble comes when the ship violently runs aground, tearing itself apart on rocks that simply shouldn't be there. What happened? Your GPS was lying to you for hours - you were the victim of a spoofing attack. It may sound overly dramatic, but this happened about a year ago. GPS spoofing and jamming have become weapons of strategic and economic warfare by adversaries bent on disrupting commerce. And these kinds of attacks have become endemic during the conflict in Iran. Commercial and defense vessels desperately need GPS backups and early warning systems to keep them operating safely. Today, that's something Q-CTRL has delivered through it's pioneering efforts in #quantumsensing and #quantumnavigation.  In a world-first field demonstration, we successfully navigated a maritime vessel without GPS using a new form of software-ruggedized #quantum #gravimeter. Through a series of trials in the Coral Sea, our team performed autonomous gravity mapping and GPS-free quantum-gravimetric navigation, achieving the key metric of one nautical mile positioning accuracy. Today’s report demonstrates a new form of quantum “GravNav” which uses a quantum sensor to continuously “see” the tiny and otherwise invisible hills and valleys in Earth’s gravity, allowing the system to position against gravity maps. This breakthrough approach provides a correction to improve the performance of an inertial navigation system and enables precise positioning irrespective of mission duration. The concept of GravNav has been conceived for decades; a published demonstration that doesn’t rely at all on GPS signals, the need for periodic sensor recalibration, or special installation infrastructure has never been achieved in the open until now.  "Adversarial investment in GPS jamming and spoofing capabilities has made assured positioning, navigation, and timing a warfighting necessity, not a convenience. Q-CTRL’s demonstration shows a credible path to accurate navigation without reliance on external satellite signals. This is exactly what distributed maritime operations and contested logistics require to function when - not if - GPS is denied." Steve Sklenka, Lieutenant General, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret) Read more and have a look at the full technical manuscript, linked in the announcement below. https://lnkd.in/gWpvdeHB

GPS Just Became Optional for Military Navigation. Quantum Sensors Are Why. SandboxAQ flies magnetic navigation on C-17s. Centimeter accuracy without satellites. Q-CTRL's sensors beat classical systems by 111x in flight tests. Not in labs. Actual aircraft. When China jams GPS tomorrow, these systems keep working. The physics is simple. Earth's magnetic field becomes your navigation chart. Quantum magnetometers detect submarine signatures at ranges that change naval warfare. Gravity variations expose underground bunkers. Three companies own this space. • SandboxAQ: Spun from Alphabet, MagNav for GPS-denied ops • Q-CTRL: $24.4M DARPA contracts, ruggedized for subs • Infleqtion: Cold atoms, femtometer precision gravimeters Traditional INS drifts meters per hour. Quantum INS doesn't drift. Period. Boeing integrated quantum-classical hybrid nav in 2025 tests. Sub-atomic precision achieved. Australian Navy trials validated submarine detection. UK Dstl hunts subs with quantum magnetometers. Quantum computing debates 2035 timelines. Quantum sensing deploys in 2-5 years. Miniaturization remains the challenge. SWaP reduction for drone integration needs solutions. But DARPA's RoQS program funds it. Army Research Lab develops Rydberg RF sensors. Money flows to near-term capability. Applications today. • Navigate polar regions where GPS fails • Detect underground facilities via gravity • Hunt submarines at extended ranges • Operate beyond satellite coverage Russia spoofs GPS over Ukraine daily. China jams signals in contested waters. Traditional navigation fails. Quantum navigation doesn't care. While everyone waits for quantum computers, quantum sensors deliver battlefield advantage now.

This image is from an Amazon Braket slide deck that just did the rounds of all the Deep Tech conferences I've been at recently (this one from Eric Kessler). It's more profound than it might seem. As technical leaders, we're constantly evaluating how emerging technologies will reshape our computational strategies. Quantum computing is prominent in these discussions, but clarity on its practical integration is... emerging. It's becoming clear however that the path forward isn't about quantum versus classical, but how quantum and classical work together. This will be a core theme for the year ahead. As someone now on the implementation partner side of this work, and getting the chance to work on specific implementations of quantum-classical hybrid workloads, I think of it this way: Quantum Processing Units (QPUs) are specialised engines capable of tackling calculations that are currently intractable for even the largest supercomputers. That's the "quantum 101" explanation you've heard over and over. However, missing from that usual story, is that they require significant classical infrastructure for: - Control and calibration - Data preparation and readout - Error mitigation and correction frameworks - Executing the parts of algorithms not suited for quantum speedup Therefore, the near-to-medium term future involves integrating QPUs as accelerators within a broader classical computing environment. Much like GPUs accelerate specific AI/graphics tasks alongside CPUs, QPUs are a promising resource to accelerate specific quantum-suited operations within larger applications. What does this mean for technical decision-makers? Focus on Integration: Strategic planning should center on identifying how and where quantum capabilities can be integrated into existing or future HPC workflows, not on replacing them entirely. Identify Target Problems: The key is pinpointing high-value business or research problems where the unique capabilities of quantum computation could provide a substantial advantage. Prepare for Hybrid Architectures: Consider architectures and software platforms designed explicitly to manage these complex hybrid workflows efficiently. PS: Some companies like Quantum Brilliance are focused on this space from the hardware side from the outset, working with Pawsey Supercomputing Research Centre and Oak Ridge National Laboratory. On the software side there's the likes of Q-CTRL, Classiq Technologies, Haiqu and Strangeworks all tackling the challenge of managing actual workloads (with different levels of abstraction). Speaking to these teams will give you a good feel for topic and approaches. Get to it. #QuantumComputing #HybridComputing #HPC

Forget quantum computers for a second. The real revolution is happening in the air, miles above our heads. Imagine a commercial airliner flying through a severe conflict zone where GPS is completely jammed. Instead of losing its bearings, the aircraft relies on a quantum accelerometer—measuring the movement of trapped atoms to navigate flawlessly across the globe without a single satellite signal. Lets Learn #Quantum – Post 15: Quantum Sensors – The First Commercial Quantum Revolution. When people hear about quantum technology, they usually think about computing. But what if the first major quantum revolution doesn't come from computing at all? What if it comes from sensing the world with unprecedented precision? Quantum Sensors are changing the game. How Do Quantum Sensors Work? Quantum sensors leverage quantum properties such as: 1 Superposition: Detecting multiple possibilities simultaneously. 2 Quantum Coherence: Preserving extremely sensitive measurement states. 3 Atomic Precision: Using atoms themselves as ultra-accurate reference points. The result? Measurements that can be far more precise than many conventional technologies. Real-World Examples  Navigation Without GPS: Ships, submarines, and autonomous systems could navigate accurately deep underwater or in remote regions even when GPS signals are unavailable or intentionally disrupted.  Submarine Detection: Traditional sonar struggles to find modern, ultra-quiet submarines. Quantum magnetometers can detect the microscopic distortions a submarine’s steel hull creates in the Earth’s magnetic field from miles away, completely shifting the dynamics of maritime security.  Mineral and Resource Exploration: Instead of drilling expensive, speculative boreholes, mining companies can use quantum gravity sensors mounted on drones to "see" underground, identifying the exact density footprint of a copper deposit or lithium vein buried deep beneath the rock.  Medical Imaging: Current MRI machines require massive, freezing-cold magnets. Future medical clinics might use room-temperature quantum diamond sensors placed directly on a patient's scalp, mapping brain activity at the single-neuron level to detect Alzheimer's years before symptoms appear. Why Is This Important? Unlike quantum computing, many quantum sensing technologies are already moving from laboratories into real-world deployments. This means organizations may experience practical quantum benefits much sooner than expected. #QuantumTechnology #QuantumSensors #QuantumInnovation #DeepTech #EmergingTechnology #soyoucan Co-authored with Atul Tripathi Sundar Ram, Sachin Arora, Himanshu Ghawri, Azizur Rahman, Himadri Ganguly, Arun Rangaraju, Prasun Nandy, Navnit Nakra, Vinish Bawa, Rajesh Kumar Ojha, Dheeraj Gangrade, Indrojeet Bhattacharya (IN), Debankur Ghosh, Abhijit Chakraborty, Arihant Garg, Dr. Raghav Manohar Narsalay, Rajesh Sethi

Most quantum boardroom conversations end without an agenda. They end with a posture — "we're monitoring quantum developments," "we're taking it seriously". Neither statement produces a plan. The distinction matters because quantum creates three problem classes, each with a different urgency and a different cost of inaction. A generic posture misaddresses all three at once. The right response, for most leadership teams, has three parts. The first is to defend now. Post-quantum cryptography belongs on the enterprise risk agenda as a current priority. That means building visibility into cryptographic dependencies across the enterprise, identifying migration priorities, and mapping third-party exposure. This is the part of the quantum agenda that cannot wait. The second is to explore selectively. Most leadership teams do not need a wide portfolio of quantum pilots. They need a small number of focused efforts on high-value problems where the workload aligns with quantum's actual strengths — evaluated against the strongest available classical alternative. Each effort should be a targeted test: one specific problem, one clear classical benchmark, one honest evaluation. The third is to build options. For companies in simulation-relevant sectors — pharmaceuticals, advanced materials, energy — the right posture is modest investment in partnerships and early hardware collaborations. The goal is R&D workflows that are ready to integrate quantum subroutines when the technology matures. The companies that benefit most will not necessarily be those spending the most today. They will be the ones best positioned to move when the moment arrives. The most common failure on quantum is conflating the urgency of the three classes — treating all three as equally distant or equally immediate, when each has a different clock running. The organizations that get this right understand early which problem classes matter to their business, which ones to set aside, and what the distinction demands of them starting Monday morning. https://lnkd.in/gkymW7Xm

As GPS-denied environments become increasingly common, whether due to jamming, spoofing, or operating in contested regions, reliable alternatives are critical. Traditional inertial navigation systems (INS) offer one solution: if you know your starting point and can accurately measure acceleration and rotation, you can calculate your position. However, INS accuracy degrades over time due to sensor drift. Quantum navigation represents a step-change in capability. By leveraging the wave-like behavior of atoms through quantum interference, these systems can measure acceleration and rotation with unprecedented precision - without relying on external signals. This makes them inherently resilient to electronic warfare and ideal for submarines, aircraft, and space platforms operating in GPS-denied environments. For aerospace and defence, this technology offers operational resilience in contested domains; platform independence, enabling navigation across air, sea, and space; and, strategic advantage, reducing reliance on vulnerable satellite infrastructure. Australia’s interest in non-GPS navigation, highlighted by the Australian Naval Institute, underscores the urgency of advancing these technologies. Quantum navigation is a future enabler for assured positioning in the most challenging environments. https://lnkd.in/g6SRxj_s

🌐 Had a fascinating conversation with Sabeer Bhatia (Hotmail co-founder) at TiEcon about the future of computing—particularly quantum. The consensus? 👉 Quantum chips won’t replace digital chips. They’ll augment them—just like GPUs did for AI. We discussed emerging quantum modalities: Superconducting (IBM, Google) Trapped Ions (IonQ, Quantinuum) Photonics (Xanadu, PsiQuantum) Neutral atoms (ColdQuanta) Topological qubits (Microsoft) Some great insights from leaders in the field: 🧠 Chetan Nayak (Microsoft): "Most quantum systems today are like analog radios—fragile and noisy. With topological qubits, we’re building something closer to digital transistors: stable, scalable, and resilient." 🧠 Jay Gambetta (IBM): "Quantum won’t replace classical—it’s about expanding the computational toolbox. The future is hybrid: CPUs, GPUs, and QPUs solving what no one system can." 🚛 Arvind Ratnam (QCNTRL): "Quantum chips are already solving problems where GPS fails—underground, underwater, or in jammed environments. That’s game-changing for logistics, defense, and autonomy." 🔬 Use cases gaining traction: Drug discovery Logistics optimization Post-quantum encryption Quantum-enhanced AI It’s clear: Quantum computing is becoming a critical co-processor layer—not a replacement. The next decade of computing will be hybrid, intelligent, and cross-disciplinary. #QuantumComputing #AI #FutureOfTech #TiEcon #QuantumChips #Microsoft #IBM #QCNTRL #DeepTech #Innovation #HybridComputing

We’re entering a new era where computing power, intelligence, and decision-making are no longer limited by classical boundaries. Today, 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐦 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐍𝐞𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬 are not just buzzwords - they’re the backbone of the next global technological revolution. Yet many professionals, teams, and even organizations still struggle to fully understand how these technologies work, how they connect, and why they matter right now. In my latest in-depth research article, I break down these complex concepts into 𝐬𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬, 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲-𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬, 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥-𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐞𝐱𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 that every tech leader, innovator, and security professional needs to know. 🔮 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐦 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 • How quantum processors use superposition & entanglement • Why qubits outperform classical bits in parallel computations • The future impact on cybersecurity, cryptography & drug discovery 🤖 𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 • How AI systems learn, adapt & make decisions • Real-world applications reshaping industries: finance, health, cybersecurity • Why AI is becoming the new “digital co-pilot” for enterprises 🧠 𝐍𝐞𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬 • The architecture behind modern intelligence • How the human brain inspired today’s algorithms • Real examples: face recognition, recommendation engines, and anomaly detection 🌐 𝐌𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐥𝐲: You’ll understand how these technologies interconnect and why mastering them will define the next decade of innovation, security, and digital transformation. Yugal Pathak "CyberYuvi" Santosh Khadsare Sanjeev M. mh Service HAWK EYE FORENSIC Cyber Hepisha Center of Excellence Cybersecurity Cyber Security Association of India Cybersecurity Abhijeet Singh Mohsin Quresh Craw Security Dr. Rakshit Tandon Prof. (Dr.) Artie Bansall (PhD, MBA, BE, PMP) Samir Datt Adv (Dr.) Prashant Mali ♛ [MSc(Comp Sci), LLM, Ph.D.] Tushar Maurya Mohit Sambharwal Mohit Yadav Prof. (Dr.) G. K. Goswami IPS, DSc., LLD Ashish Singh Kuntal Uttar Pradesh State Institute of Forensic Science National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) National Forensic Sciences University - Delhi Campus NATIONAL FORENSIC SCIENCE UNIVERSITY (Main Campus) NFSU - Guwahati Campus ISEA Phase - III Project NFSU Gandhinagar NFSU BHOPAL Rajiv Malhotra Cyint Technologies #QuantumComputing #ArtificialIntelligence #NeuralNetworks #EmergingTech #Cybersecurity #TechInnovation #FutureOfTechnology #AITech #DeepLearning #MachineLearning #DigitalTransformation #TechLeadership #QuantumRevolution #CyberAwareness #TechCommunity #InsideTech