Chinese scientists create crystal that could make GPS navigation obsolete

Chinese scientists have developed a new ultraviolet-emitting crystal that enables the creation of ultra-precise atomic clocks. This new technology allows submarines, rockets and space probes to determine their location autonomously, without the need for satellite signals.

Chinese scientists have achieved a breakthrough in precision navigation, creating a new ultraviolet-emitting crystal that opens new possibilities in the development of atomic clocks. This innovation could make satellite navigation, such as the GPS system, redundant in many applications in the future.

What does the new crystal enable?

Atomic clocks measure time based on the oscillation frequency of atoms and are currently the most precise timekeeping devices in the world. The crystal created by Chinese scientists produces ultraviolet radiation necessary for the operation of next-generation atomic clocks, significantly pushing forward the boundaries that have so far limited the development of such clocks.

Extremely precise timekeeping is critical for navigation: the more precisely time is known, the more accurately position can be determined. Today, most navigation systems rely on GPS or other satellite systems that transmit nanosecond-precise time signals from orbit.

Autonomous navigation without satellites

Atomic clocks developed based on the new crystal could make navigation completely autonomous. This means that submarines could determine their location deep at sea without surfacing and without contacting a satellite. Similarly, rockets and space probes could navigate in outer space without external signals.

Such a breakthrough has strategic importance in both the civilian and military sectors: independence from external signals makes navigation systems more resilient to interference and jamming attacks, which are increasingly common phenomena in modern warfare.

What happens to GPS?

Experts emphasise that GPS will not disappear in the near future-it will remain the dominant navigation solution for everyday use for many years to come. However, the new atomic clock technology could begin to play a specific role in situations where satellite signal is unavailable or where extremely high precision and reliability are required.