Quantum physics enables the best measurement devices on the planet. Laboratory atomic clocks are accurate to a second in 50 billion years; atomic inertial sensors can measure gravity variations of a part in a billion. However, laboratory devices are large, costly, and fragile.
Vector Atomic is engineering quantum technology for the real world. Our application-specific quantum solutions have been validated in harsh thermal, dynamic, and radiation environments seen on land, at sea, and in space.
GPS is the pulse for today’s economy, with more than $1T impact in the US alone. At its heart, GPS is a global timing network. Satellites carrying atomic clocks broadcast precisely timed pulses that mobile devices can use to pinpoint location and synchronize with communication networks. The timing of these pulses is critical – 3-meter positioning requires signal arrival times accurate to 10 nanoseconds (0.00000001 seconds).
Tomorrow’s technology requires timing accuracy beyond GPS. Centimeter-scale autonomous vehicle navigation, ultrahigh-bandwidth data networks, and precise mapping of the Earth are enabled with timing accuracy of 10 picoseconds (0.00000000001 seconds). Vector Atomic is building high-performance clocks and synchronization hardware for a picosecond-level timing network. Our rackmount optical atomic clocks have been validated versus UTC-NIST and at sea. Synchronization has been demonstrated over city scales (30 km) and can ultimately be extended globally through ground-to-satellite relays.
At-sea demo of 3 optical clocks with sub-10 ps operation for 2,000x longer than commercial clocks
10 femtosecond synchronization over NIST's 30 km free space link to Table Mountain
Anomalies in Earth’s gravitational field give insight into the world beneath our feet. Depletion of aquifers, rising sea levels, oil and mineral reserves, and underground voids all have tiny gravitational signatures. Detecting and mapping these anomalies requires extreme accuracy, often while operating on a mobile platform.
Atomic sensors can detect signals that others lose in the noise. Capturing infinitesimal accelerations and rotations is the key to navigating when GPS is unavailable, stabilizing the orientation of satellites, and exploring the Earth’s interior. Vector Atomic’s inertial sensors have the form and function to meet the most challenging operational requirements. Our GAINS gravimeter has operated autonomously at-sea, accurately measuring local gravity without the aid of motion stabilization.
Strapdown atomic gravimeter generates high-resolution absolute gravity maps at-sea
Atomic gyroscope to be delivered for low Earth orbit (LEO) demonstration
Vector Atomic was founded in 2018 to bring quantum precision to mission-critical applications including navigation and communications. Our hardware is designed with form, function, and cost for the real world.
We are 100% employee owned, with no outside investment or debt. Our team of 40 combines industrial, academic, and government experience. Every team member plays an essential role making Vector Atomic run; no job is too big or small for any of us.
Using ingenuity, a can-do attitude, and operational efficiency, we have delivered first-of-kind quantum hardware on time and budget despite the challenging global environment.
We are located in Pleasanton, CA in the East Bay Area.
Quantum hardware is built from classical technologies – you don’t need an advanced degree in quantum physics to make an impact. Our team brings together experts in atomic physics, lasers and optics, electronics, mechanical design, software, firmware, testing, assembly, logistics, and operations.
The interdisciplinary nature of our work benefits from diverse ideas and backgrounds. We value strong individual contributors that support overall team and organizational goals.
In a small company taking on big challenges, each team member plays a vital role, with the opportunity to rapidly expand their skillsets. If you like to work on transformational technologies in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment, come join our team. We offer competitive compensation, benefits, and stock equity to all employees.
Vector Atomic has a network of government, academic, and industrial collaborators that support the development of our technology. To date, our work is primarily funded through competitive R&D contracts with the US government.
We are open to partnerships that accelerate the commercialization of quantum technology through collaboration, field demonstrations, product adoption, or investment. If you share our vision for delivering near-term quantum solutions, contact us.