Integrating Quantum and Classical Sensors for Long-Duration Inertial Navigation

About the Project

Supervisors:

Blair Thornton b.thornton@soton.ac.uk

Tim Freegarde Tim.Freegarde@soton.ac.uk

Darryl Newborough (external), Georgios Salavasidis (external) Darryl.Newborough@sonardyne.com; georgios.salavasidis@noc.ac.uk

Joseph Cotter (external) j.cotter@imperial.ac.uk

This project, within the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Quantum Technology Engineering at the University of Southampton (https://qte.ac.uk), carries a UKRI TechExpert enhanced annual stipend around £31k for UK students. While researching the project outlined below you will also receive substantial training in scientific, technical, and commercial skills.

Project Description:

Navigational drift is a major bottleneck for systems operating in GPS-denied underwater, space, and subterranean environments. This project advances navigation in such conditions by fusing fast, drift-prone classical inertial sensors with stable quantum measurements. You will develop fusion algorithms, explore sensor configurations, and validate performance through simulation and hardware-in-the-loop testing.

Classical inertial navigation systems (INS) combine gyroscopes and accelerometers to track position and orientation. However, errors such as gyro drift and accelerometer bias accumulate over time, degrading navigation performance. Quantum gyroscopes and accelerometers offer highly stable, low-drift measurements, but typically operate at slower update rates. Combining them with fast classical sensors could enable robust, long-duration navigation in GPS/GNSS-denied environments. This project aims to develop algorithms and software for hybrid quantum–classical INS, correcting both gyro- and accelerometer-induced errors to produce reliable, low-drift navigation solutions. You will focus on sensor fusion and state estimation, integrating a single-axis quantum sensor with classical 3-axis MEMS or optical-based inertial sensors. You will investigate how the relative configuration (e.g. axis orientation) between slow, stable quantum measurements and high-rate classical data impacts navigational performance. The project will also explore multi-axis quantum setups to evaluate their potential for further constraining navigational drift. Research will include simulation, hardware-in-the-loop testing, and validation using real-world quantum and classical sensor data, with a particular focus on marine applications. You will gain expertise in hybrid navigation, sensor fusion, and real-time state estimation, developing the ability to translate raw multi-sensor data into practical navigation outputs. The project will provide a strong foundation for future multi-axis quantum INS development and deepen your understanding of the trade-offs between quantum and classical sensors. You will work with industry advisors throughout the project, gaining insight into real-world challenges and priorities, building a professional network, and developing skills aligned with the needs of autonomous navigation technologies.

For more information, please contact the supervisor: Blair Thornton b.thornton@soton.ac.uk

Entry Requirements:

Undergraduate degree (at least UK 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent).

Closing Date:

31 July 2026. International applicants must apply before 31 March 2026.

Funding:

See funding notes below.

How to Apply:

Please apply via the online portal and select:

• Programme type: Research
• Academic year: 2026/27
• Full time or part time
• Faculty: Engineering and Physical Sciences

Search for programme PhD Quantum Tech Eng

Please add the name of the supervisor in section 2 of the application.

Applications should include:

• your CV (resumé)
• 2 academic references
• degree transcripts/ certificates to date
• English language qualification (if applicable)

Funding Notes

Funding on a competitive basis.

UK students receive a 4-year UKRI TechExpert tax-free stipend around £31k per year (UKRI minimum +10k); studentships at the UKRI base rate are available for EU and Horizon Europe students and International students. Overseas students who have or are seeking external funding are welcome to apply.