GPS-free Navigation, Telecommunications & Computing, The Vector Atomic Way

SQUIDS

For many experts in the field of quantum technologies, one of the most exciting areas of quantum information science (QIS) is in the discipline of quantum sensing. Around for a few decades now in academic circles in the form of superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUID), these said devices require supercold cryogenic temperatures to work, which limits their scope, however.

Yet this doesn’t have to be a problem, as now there are room temperature options.

A clear representative of this is Vector Atomic, a Pleasanton, California-based startup founded in 2018 by Jamil Abo-Shaeer, Matthew Cashen, Martin Boyd, and Arman Cingoz.

Vector Atomic

Commercializing quantum technology for applications including GPS-free navigation, telecommunications and computing, the team intends on delivering near-term products that take advantage of the exquisite properties of quantum systems.

The services Vector Atomic provides include quantum hardware for positioning, navigation and timing (PNT), developing next-generation atomic clocks to reduce reliance on GPS and to enable new capabilities in positioning, communications, and coherent radar/lidar, and highly integrated, compact atomic devices for navigation and geophysical exploration.

Additionally, the team offers first-class technical expertise in lasers and optics, electronics, vacuum systems, mechanical design, and systems engineering.

Now, talking about the founding team, let’s meet them:

Jamil Abo-Shaeer is Vector Atomic’s CEO. Focused on transforming abstract research into practical devices, Abo-Shaeer has 15+ years of research and development (R&D) with a broad technical background including quantum physics, navigation and timing, precision sensing, optical communications, functional materials, energy storage/transfer, and STEM education. He has managed twelve major research and development programs for DARPA with a total budget >$300M and has been involved in original, high-impact quantum physics research with over 5000+ citations to published work.

Abo-Shaeer obtained a Ph.D. in Physics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

As well as being another founder, Matthew Cashen is the startup’s Chief Scientist. Prior to founding Vector Atomic, Cashen was a Principal Scientist at Raytheon and Vice President of R&D at AO Sense.

He received a Ph.D. in Physics from Stony Brook University, researching Atomic Physics, Laser Cooling and Trapping.

Martin Boyd is Chief Engineer at Vector Atomic and the third of three Co-Founders.

An innovative physicist and optical/electronic system architect with close to twenty years of experience in advanced atomic and optical physics research with an emphasis on atomic clocks, sensors, laser systems, and precision measurement. Boyd has a proven track record of successful grant writing, technology development, team building, and transition to commercialization.

Boyd has a Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Colorado at Boulder.

Finally, we have Arman Cingoz, the Principal Scientist at Vector Atomic and the last Co-Founder. Before Vector, Cingoz worked at AOSense as a Principal Physicist and Technical Fellow of Physics.

Cingoz obtained a Ph.D. in Atomic/Molecular Physics from UC Berkeley.

With four PhDs on board, Vector Atomic’s promise of supplying the industry with near-term products, as well as offering its consulting and engineering services, is sure to find success.

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