Photon chips help drones fly unobstructed in weak signal areas

With funding from the National Science Foundation of the United States, researchers at the University of Rochester are developing photonic chips that use quantum technology called "weak value amplification" to replace mechanical gyroscopes used in drones, enabling them to fly in areas where GPS signals are obstructed or unavailable.

Using this quantum technology, scientists aim to provide the same sensitivity level as large optical gyroscopes on small handheld photonic chips, which may alter the navigation of drones.

Jaime Cardenas, an associate professor at the Institute of Optics, has received a new National Science Foundation grant to develop this chip by 2026.

Cardenas stated that the fiber optic gyroscopes currently used on the most advanced drones include several kilometers of fiber optic spools or have limited dynamic range.

At present, the sensitivity and stability of gyroscopes must be fundamentally balanced between their size and weight. As unmanned aerial vehicles, drones, and satellites become smaller and more common, the demand for ultra compact navigation level gyroscopes will become crucial. The most advanced micro gyroscopes are compact and sturdy, but their performance is insufficient, which hinders their application in navigation.

According to Cardenas, weak amplification has more advantages than traditional methods because it can enhance the interference measurement signal without the cost of amplifying several forms of technical noise. But the previous weak amplification demonstration required complex laboratory settings and precise calibration; Cardenas is committed to achieving weak amplification on micro photonic chips using high-quality factor ring resonators.

Cardenas' collaborators in this project include physicist Andrew Jordan, who was a former faculty member at the University of Rochester and currently works at Chapman University. Cardenas stated that he will also collaborate with the David T. Kearns Leadership and Diversity Center at the university to expand the participation of underrepresented groups and stimulate their desire for STEM careers through research experience with high school students in the Rochester City school district.

Source: OFweek