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© Ploughshare Innovations Ltd 2025. Registered in England and Wales No. 04401901
As the field of quantum technology develops and grows, there is an increasing need for Modulation Transfer Spectroscopy (MTS) devices that are transportable and able to reliably operate in a variety of environments, including outside of the laboratory. Current MTS systems are typically large and confined to laboratory use. A new MTS laser frequency stabilisation technology has been created to address this gap in the market, broadening use outside of the laboratory, improving reliability, and overcoming current user challenges, with a robust, monolithic design.
MTS is a well-established technique for stabilising lasers, providing an optical frequency reference on which to ‘lock’ the laser. It offers key advantages such as reduced susceptibility to background noise, temperature fluctuations, and magnetic fields – making it ideal for maintaining laser stability in challenging environments.
However, MTS is increasingly needed outside of a laboratory environment, and there is not currently a system on the market that makes this possible for users. Traditional MTS systems are large, fragile, and require precise alignment of optical elements, which limits their use to laboratory settings.
Being confined to use within laboratories prevents MTS being utilised in field-based quantum technologies (such as sensors and atomic clocks), which require transportable laser systems and a robust MTS to perform effectively. It was essential for a new solution to be developed that enabled the effective portability of MTS.
Developed by engineers at Dstl, a new compact, self-contained MTS device has been created that maintains laser stability even when relocated – overcoming the key issues users currently face around the portability, complexity, and size of MTS. This technology removes the need for precise optical alignment, significantly reducing sensitivity to environmental disturbances – meaning it can be used outside of the laboratory.
This MTS solution meets the growing need for portable, reliable systems by enabling highly precise, transportable laser systems that support accurate quantum measurements in diverse environments. The simplified optical layout allows the device to be manufactured as a smaller and more physically robust unit, overcoming the mobility issues of previous systems and expanding the use of quantum technologies.
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Ultra-stable lasers, enabled by this reliable and robust MTS technology, play a crucial role in both quantum sensors and atomic clocks, which are a key component in a wide range of applications across many industries, including but not limited to:
Quantum sensors, enabled by MTS-stabilised lasers could detect subtle physiological signals such as magnetic fields from the brain or heart supporting advanced imaging and early disease detection.
MTS stabilised lasers could help quantum sensors and atomic clocks deliver precise timing and measurements, supporting navigation when satellite signals are unavailable.
MTS could provide stable laser sources for high-speed optical networks enabling reliable data transmission, supporting the increasing demands for connectivity in the modern era.
MTS-stabilised lasers in atomic clocks can enhance time keeping, which improves timestamp accuracy for financial transactions.
MTS-stabilised lasers enable quantum sensors to measure variations in gravity and detect underground structures, supporting geology and subsurface monitoring.
If you would like to discuss this technology or collaboration opportunities with our team, please get in touch below.
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© Ploughshare Innovations Ltd 2025. Registered in England and Wales No. 04401901