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Four Australian quantum clocks have been tested by AUKUS partners in Washington DC.
QuantX Labs and the University of Adelaide have successfully trialled quantum technology clocks in Washington DC as part of the Australian government’s $2.7 million investment in AUKUS Pillar 2.
Over a six-week period, four clocks were tested by AUKUS partners under a range of environmental conditions to evaluate and monitor their capabilities and performance involving communication and navigation systems.
Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy said the technology enhances Australia’s standpoint and emphasises the strength of the Australian innovation industry.
“This collaboration harnesses expertise and experience from AUKUS partners and leverages emerging technologies to deliver the capabilities our militaries need,” he said.
“Through AUKUS Pillar 2, we are achieving capability development faster than any one of our nations could achieve alone.”
Australia is largely recognised as a global leader in quantum technology investment via the Defence Science and Technology Group significantly leveraging Australia’s technological standpoint.
Adelaide has received $2.7 million in government contracts to help with the production and manufacturing of the technology alongside the $3.8 billion investment towards the Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator. The technology is likely going to be utilised in emerging technologies, such as biotechnology, robotics and artificial intelligence.
Quantum clocks are an innovative technology that is used to synchronise communications networks, detect GPS spoofing and jamming, and provide position, navigation and timing data. The use of these clocks within AUKUS defence assets was a key system that enhanced the Australian Defence Force’s ability to operate in complex environments where typical GPS may be unreliable or unavailable.
“Australian industry has long been at the forefront of quantum technology,” Minister Conroy said.
Of the four clocks tested in the US, The University of Adelaide built a portable optical atomic clock that uses warm ytterbium vapour and QuantX implemented a portable optical atomic clock using a two-colour, two-photon approach based on an Australian patented design.
