In a bid to overcome the limitations of gyroscopes in drones, researchers are turning to quantum photonic chips. With funding from the National Science Foundation, Jaime Cardenas, an associate professor at the Institute of Optics, aims to develop these chips by 2026. The current optical fiber gyroscopes used in advanced drones rely on spools of fiber several kilometers long or have limited dynamic range. However, as drones, UAVs, and satellites become smaller and more widespread, the demand for compact and high-performance navigation-grade gyroscopes is on the rise.
Cardenas highlights the trade-off between the sensitivity, stability, size, and weight of traditional gyroscopes. To overcome this challenge, weak value amplification using quantum techniques provides an innovative solution. Unlike traditional methods, weak value amplification boosts the signal of an interferometric measurement without amplifying technical noise. While previous demonstrations of weak value amplification required complex lab setups and precise alignment, Cardenas aims to implement this technique on a miniaturized photonic chip with a high-quality factor ring resonator.
Collaborating on the project is physicist Andrew Jordan, formerly from the University of Rochester and now at Chapman University. Additionally, Cardenas plans to work with the University’s David T. Kearns Center for Leadership and Diversity to encourage the participation of underrepresented groups. By providing research experiences for high school students from the Rochester City School District, the team intends to nurture their interest in STEM careers.
The development of quantum photonic chips has the potential to revolutionize drone navigation. By replacing traditional gyroscopes with compact and robust chips, drones will benefit from enhanced sensitivity, stability, and performance. These chips will play a crucial role as drones, UAVs, and satellites continue to shrink in size and become more prevalent in various industries.
The need for accurate and reliable navigation-grade gyroscopes cannot be understated. As drones become increasingly integrated into our daily lives, it is crucial to have state-of-the-art technology that meets the demands of navigation. The limitations of current gyroscopes, such as their size, weight, and performance deficit, hinder their effective use in drone navigation.
Weak value amplification offers a promising alternative. By amplifying the signal of an interferometric measurement, weak value amplification enables more precise and reliable navigation using quantum photonic chips. Implementing this technique on a miniaturized scale, such as a tiny photonic chip with a high-quality factor ring resonator, would pave the way for widespread adoption in the drone industry.
The collaboration between Cardenas and physicist Andrew Jordan brings together expertise from different fields, further enhancing the research and development process. In addition, the involvement of the University’s David T. Kearns Center for Leadership and Diversity highlights the importance of inclusivity and a diverse workforce in advancing technological innovations.
By providing research experiences for high school students, the team aims to inspire and encourage young minds to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This initiative not only fosters diversity but also ensures a sustainable talent pool for future advancements in drone technology.
In conclusion, the utilization of quantum photonic chips and weak value amplification has the potential to revolutionize drone navigation. This research project, supported by the National Science Foundation, aims to address the limitations of traditional gyroscopes and propel the drone industry forward. With advancements in technology, drones will become more efficient, accurate, and reliable, opening up new possibilities for industries that rely on drone technology.
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- Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
- We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
