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Satellite sensing
Quantum-based measurement techniques will enable groundbreaking improvements in the sensor technology of satellites. An extreme increase in the precision of measurement technology and sensors opens up numerous new application possibilities, particularly in space travel. Quantum sensors based on Bose-Einstein condensates, novel atomic clocks, laser and matter wave interferometry are just some of the quantum technologies that are about to be used in space. In the future, quantum technologies will play a key role of innovation and growth worldwide.
The IKON Institute for Satellite Sensing, with its headquarters in Istanbul and a department in Zurich, conducts research in the field of the use of quantum technologies and quantum sensors and develops quantum measurement techniques for innovative applications up to prototype maturity. A competence center for terrestrial and space-based quantum innovations is being created. The newly developed quantum sensors are to be used in the areas of “Weather Modification” and “Aerial Firefighting”.
Satellites modernized with quantum technology are more powerful than the current generation. There are revolutionary new potentials for satellite-based earth observation, communication and navigation.
Inertial sensors can be acceleration sensors or rotation rate sensors, for flight stabilization and navigation for instance. Quantum sensors based on matter wave interferometry make it possible to measure rotation and acceleration with previously unattainable long-term stability. Ultracold quantum gases such as Bose-Einstein condensates can be used for this. A further development of this technology promises high-precision position control of satellites, for distance control during formation flights of a satellite swarm or for precise gravity field measurements of the earth or other celestial bodies. In addition, the IKON Institute for Satellite Sensing is working on quantum optical methods of laser interferometry.
Quantum sensors measure physical quantities such as temperature, speed or electrical and magnetic fields with unprecedented precision. They enable an unimaginably precise earth observation from space. Not only can climate change be researched in more details, but the economic potential is also great, in the search for raw material deposits or for agriculture and forestry in order to assess the quality of soils. Furthermore, there are new optimized approaches in the areas of “cloud seeding” and “aerial firefighting”. Another area of application for quantum sensors are new medical diagnosis and therapy tools. By collaborating with other IKON institutes, companies and start-ups, we have an eye on basic research and the industrial application of quantum technologies right from the start.
Innovations in quantum technology and quantum sensors can make a major contribution when it comes to solving socially relevant challenges in areas such as climate change, water resources, energy supply, digitization, mobility and security – and open up completely new perspectives in future space missions. From IKON’s point of view, the establishment of the IKON Institute for Satellite Sensing in Istanbul is a great success, since it will establish and anchor quantum technology as a future topic in Istanbul. The institute is building on an excellent research environment. We look forward to the fact that the new institute will make an important contribution to the training of a new generation of quantum engineers.
The activities of the Institute for Satellite Sensing are integrated into IKON-wide projects and collaborations with partners from research and industry in Switzerland, Turkey and the world. The “Optical Frequency Measurement” and “Relativistic Modeling” departments are increasingly collaborating with Zurich’s universities.
Through this bundling of competencies, the institute, the company and the location will jointly develop international radiance in the field of quantum technologies.
In addition, the institute contributes to the competencies of IKON in the field of quantum computing and will cooperate in this area with Quantum Valley Lower Saxony e.V..
A quantum computer works with qubits that follow the laws of quantum physics. This allows novel algorithms that are not possible on conventional computers. The bits of conventional computers only know the two states 0 and 1. In contrast to this, qubits can assume an infinite number of intermediate values.
The IKON Institute for Satellite Sensing, headquartered in Istanbul, is primarily dedicated to research questions in the context of the use of quantum technologies and quantum sensors and develops quantum measurement techniques for innovative applications, up to the realization of prototype solutions.