Quantum Technologies for GNSS-denied navigation: a Quantum Inertial Navigation Sensor Simulator

About the Project

Supervisors:

• Prof Tim Freegarde timf@soton.ac.uk
• Prof Blair Thornton B.Thornton@soton.ac.uk

Project Title:

Quantum Technologies for GNSS-denied navigation: a Quantum Inertial Navigation Sensor Simulator

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:

Quantum sensors may permit long-range navigation when satellite systems cannot be used. This project will develop a quantum inertial sensor simulator, built around experimentally validated computational models, to provide real-time simulated data from actual motions, so that navigation engineers can explore quantum integration ahead of real quantum device availability.

Underground and under water, navigation satellite signals cannot reach you; above ground, they can be interrupted and spoofed. Inertial navigation, the main alternative for vehicle guidance, is range-limited by accelerometer and gyroscope instability. Quantum sensors using atom matterwave interferometry promise much higher performance and, even though they are currently only prototypes, future users are keen to explore their integration into navigation systems. This project will produce a stand-alone device that simulates a variety of future quantum inertial sensor platforms, so that navigation engineers can explore their navigational use and performance, and in turn steer the future development of quantum sensors themselves. Containing conventional sensors and a high-performance processor, and building upon our experimentally validated computational models, it will output real-time simulated responses to actual motions over standard navigation system interfaces, while recording data from a range of environmental sensors. Where current quantum prototypes are typically limited to single axis, discontinuous measurements, the simulator will mimic continuous 3-axis acceleration and rotation sensing and be configurable to simulate different sensor schemes. The project will combine quantum physics simulations, hardware selection and implementation, packaging and interfacing. You will address a range of quantum sensor configurations and establish the practical requirements of a field-testable system. A major challenge will be the computational performance required for real-time optimization, so you will investigate efficient simulation techniques including analytical, Monte-Carlo and machine learning methods and parallel processing. Finally, you will test and validate the simulator in real and simulated field environments, including alongside existing quantum sensor prototypes.

For more information, please contact the supervisor: Prof Tim Freegarde timf@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:

Funding is on a competitive basis. UK students receive a 4 year UKRI TechExpert tax-free stipend of around £31k per year (UKRI minimum +£10k); studentships at the UKRI minimum 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.

How to Apply:

Please apply via the online portal and select:

• Programme type: Research
• Academic year: 2026/27
• If you will be 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)

We are committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusivity and give full consideration to applicants seeking part-time study. The University of Southampton takes personal circumstances into account, has onsite childcare facilities, is committed to sustainability and has been awarded the Platinum EcoAward.