Quantum Physics Applications in Space Studied in the UK
Research into nanoparticles and quantum physics in the application of space technology is being conducted in the UK. The Universities of Warwick, Swansea and Strathclyde have been awarded £250,000 (≈$320,000) for their research using nanoparticles as state-of-the-art sensors on CubeSats.
"LOTIS is a concrete step towards the realization of a new generation of experiments that will help shed light on the interface of quantum mechanics and gravity."
Professor Animesh Datta, University of Warwick.
Recent advances in the field of levitated optomechanics (the motion of tiny particles held and measured in free space by laser light), have shown that nanoparticles can exhibit behaviors that are governed by the laws of quantum mechanics (a fundamental theory which describes how atoms and subatomic particles interact).
This has led to nanoparticles, which are a thousand times larger than an atom and a thousand times smaller than a single grain of sand, being investigated as new sensors in laboratory conditions. But scientists are yet to apply this to the real world – and beyond.
Now, in an Enabling Technologies Program funded by the UK Space Agency (UKSA), researchers are pushing the limits of quantum physics technology so that nanoparticles can be used as sensors in space. ‘Levitated Optomechanical Technologies In Space’ (LOTIS) is an 18-month project to develop technologies to enable future space-borne devices using nanoparticles. LOTIS will develop devices which are small, lightweight, and, rather than car-sized satellites, can fit on more compact nanosatellites the size of a shoebox, known as CubeSats. This approach dramatically lowers development and launch costs.
Quantum Physics Applications in Space Examples
There are many applications for nanoparticles as sensors. Little is known of the density of the thermosphere – a layer of the Earth’s atmosphere which begins around 80 km (≈50 miles) above sea level, and this technology could shed detailed light on this. Determining the density of the region has spaceflight applications; understanding the drag experienced by satellites in orbit, helping to map their trajectories.
The project also aims to use quantum physics to develop gravimeters (devices for measuring gravitational fields), which is especially useful back on Earth as a tool in geophysics and Earth observation. As gravity permeates through opaque objects, gravimeters can help map what is underneath the ground – particularly useful for civil engineering or monitoring aquifers.
LOTIS will also underpin technologies for the proposed macroscopic quantum resonators (MAQRO) mission which seeks to test the predictions of quantum mechanics of increasingly larger objects, with greater masses. This is vital for understanding the validity of quantum mechanics – which typically describes the behavior of small objects, atoms and subatomic particles, but not objects larger than this.
"I am thrilled to lead this UKSA project, which will create the necessary technologies to establish a functioning sensing platform for both space and terrestrial applications," said Dr James Bateman, Physics, University of Swansea. "Our team is comprised of experts in nanosatellites, quantum sensing, and experimental optomechanics, and this project will help to make levitated optomechanical sensors a reality.”
"LOTIS is a concrete step towards the realization of a new generation of experiments that will help shed light on the interface of quantum mechanics and gravity. I look forward to contributing to its success," said Professor Animesh Datta, expert of Theoretical Physics at the University of Warwick.
"We are developing highly sensitive sensors for satellites which are greatly reduced in size and able to perform measurements of the space environment," said Quantum theorist Dr Daniel Oi, Physics, University of Strathclyde. "This is part of a wider, international quantum technology program which will extend its applications from Earth and space bound applications.”
(Source: University of Warwick news release. Images provided)