Session B6: Emerging Trends in Navigation and Quantum Technology

Flight Trial of a Quantum Diamond Vector Magnetometer: From Theory to Practice
Andrew D Greentree, Jesse A. Vaitkus, Xuezhi Wang, B. C. Gibson, Safoora Zaminpardaz, School of Science, RMIT University; Jacob Shearer, Anand Sivamali, Phasor Innovation; Andy Sayers, Phasor Innovation, & School of Physics, University of Melbourne; D. A. Simpson, School of Physics, University of Melbourne; Allison N. Kealy, Innovative Planet Research Institute, Swinburne University
Location: Holiday 1 (Second Floor)
Date/Time: Friday, Sep. 12, 2:35 p.m.

Quantum-based sensing enables the direct probing of geophysical fields—such as magnetic and gravitational fields—with unprecedented accuracy and with in principle bias-free operations. Direct sensing of such fields, instead of interpretation of signals from sources such as satellites or relay stations, means that quantum navigation solutions offer resilience against spoofing and interference, making them well-suited for GNSS-denied or GNSS-contested environments. However, key challenges remain in translating these sensors into operational solutions. These include ensuring their functionality in real-world conditions, achieving low size, weight, and power (SWaP) implementations, and bridging the gap from physics-based sensors to practical navigation systems. Furthermore, although quantum systems are in general guaranteed to be bias-free due to their reliance on atom or atom-like systems, the entire solution may not be bias free due to the present requirement for classical control systems such as magnets, electrical gates, etc.
We have explored diamond containing the nitrogen-vacancy (NV) color center as a practical quantum magnetometer. Key advantages of NV diamond include room-temperature operation at ambient magnetic fields, vector magnetic field sensing, solid-state implementation, and high robustness. Our earlier studies highlighted the importance of NV magnetometers for map matching, showing that existing magnetic maps may already be inadequate for the levels of sensitivity that can be achieved with diamond magnetometers [1]. Additionally, trials by Graham et al. have shown robustness by demonstrating mapping using a vehicle-based diamond-magnetometer using a diamond magnetometer with a sensitivity of 0.3 nT/?Hz. [2]
As part of an Australian Government-funded project, our industry-academia team developed a diamond vector magnetometer and evaluated its use for navigation in a flight trial. Preliminary results from this trial were presented by Kealy at ION 2024 [3]. In this presentation, we discuss the requirements for quantum magnetic sensors, for practical navigation. This includes the practical implementation of Tolles-Lawson corrections and the challenges of other platform corrections. We also share insights from deploying a quantum magnetic sensor based on nitrogen-vacancy colour centres in diamond in the field as we progress from stand-alone physics-based sensors to fully operational navigation solutions.
Quantum sensors represent a step-change in the potential capability for applications such as navigation. However quantum solutions will not realise this capability without a full integration with existing classical systems. We have begun to explore the consequences and opportunities for classical-quantum fusion solutions to navigation, and we will also highlight some of the learnings that we achieved from starting this process.
Acknowledgements
This research is supported by the Australian Department of Defence through the Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator.