China’s CPT submarine detector
Traditionally, anti-submarine forces have used optically pumped magnetometers (OPMs) to detect vessels. However, according to a South China Morning Post (SCMP) report, these have critical “blind zones” in low-latitude regions like the South China Sea. This is because the Earth’s magnetic field runs almost parallel to the surface. If the sensor’s optical axis aligns too closely with magnetic field lines, this weakens the signal.
China’s quantum sensor could overcome these limitations, giving China the edge when it comes to underwater warfare. Anti-submarine forces using the system could pinpoint a submarine with great precision and even detect the tail waves of enemy vessels.