Advancing Australia’s quantum sensing capability

Beca in partnership with the University of Adelaide and other local organisations are joining forces through the Defence Trailblazer program, to develop Australia’s next generation of quantum sensor technology.

An exciting development focused on commercialising this promising technology, Beca will apply our design skills to transition the University of Adelaide’s lab-developed Quantum RF Sensor into a demonstration tool that can showcase its full potential.

Our role as primary engineering partner includes creating the user interfaces necessary to package these RF (Radio Frequency) Sensors for broader use with other devices, whilst assisting with their testing, evaluation and certification.

From concept to sovereign capability

How are we making this happen? By partnering with the University of Adelaide, University of Queensland, REQUIM Systems Pty Ltd, Out The Back (OTB) Ventures and Silanna Semiconductor through the Defence Trailblazer program.

Harnessing our combined expertise, we have an exciting opportunity to transform this Australian first technology from concept into a sovereign capability, with wide practical applications across civil and defence domains.

Brendon Pett, Beca Business Director – Aerospace, Information & Science says “the Beca Applied Technologies team has significant experience in Aerospace Systems as an Aviation Design Organisation (ADO). We’ve developed hardware and software for complex aerospace systems and in systems safety, systems certification and Assurance.

This project leverages our work in other advanced technology domains, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning. It also advances our desire to work with other industry partners, academia and science to innovate in a way that builds Australia’s sovereign capability”.

His words are echoed by University of Adelaide’s Dr. Giuseppe C. Tettamanzi , who added “we have here the opportunity to bring into everyday operations a technology that has the potential to revolutionise many systems currently being used for sensing electromagnetic signals in military, medical and civilian applications. Our work in this area will greatly benefit from having the expertise and experience of the Beca team available. This is because Beca has intensive knowledge in supporting and validating complex radio frequency engineering projects”.

Quantum Sensor technology: A quiet revolution

Quantum sensor technology, including RF Sensors have potential to revolutionise countless fields. Here’s a few examples of how they can make everyday better:

• Aerospace: Developing enhanced and highly precise GPS navigation systems, radars and air traffic management.
• Communications: Significantly reducing transmission loss, improving sensitivity and increasing range.
• Defence: Developing defence situational awareness, detection and countermeasures.
• Healthcare: Improving the sensitivity of MRI machines and brain activity monitoring.
• Power: Enhancing transmission effectiveness and efficiency, thus reducing energy use.

We look forward to progressing this project! You can read more about our broader Defence and National Security capabilities here.

About Defence Trailblazer

Defence Trailblazer is an Australian Government initiative to build new research capabilities, drive commercialisation outcomes and invest in new industry engagement opportunities - driving research excellence and real-world impact.