Autonomous Quantum Experiment - Purdue 1 - Purdue University

Laser cooling and trapping neutral rubidium atoms are the focus of the autonomous quantum experiment. Four faculty in Purdue’s Elmore Family School of Electrical and Computer Engineering – Shengwang Du, Alexandra Boltasseva, Vladimir Shalaev and Joseph Lukens – are creating the experiment with industry partner Infleqtion, a world leader in deployed atom-based quantum technology and the only company in the world to have cold atom systems operating aboard the International Space Station since 2018. The experiment is designed to examine laser-cooled atoms at near-absolute zero temperatures to measure a variety of parameters that are key to atom-based quantum technology in a microgravity environment. This is the first step toward quantum positioning, navigation and timing (Q-PNT) for future space exploration. Laser-cooled atoms are the foundation for Q-PNT systems and related technology used for earth monitoring, space exploration and future deep-space missions. The quantum technology could reduce and ultimately eliminate today’s reliance on GPS systems.

CONTACT TANYA FINKBINER AT TJFINKBINER@PURDUEFORLIFE.ORG OR 765-585-7602 TO LEARN MORE