Case study
The need
Infleqtion has developed Tiqker, a compact optical atomic clock designed to deliver high-performance timing in a deployable platform.
As the technology progressed from research and development towards commercial deployment, Infleqtion required independent evidence of performance, stability and environmental robustness. Characterising a compact optical clock requires highly accurate, stable and traceable reference signals that are not readily available at the level needed to fully validate Tiqker's performance. Demonstrating that the clock could maintain its performance across a range of operating conditions was essential to building confidence among Infleqtion's customers, investors and end users.
The solution
Drawing on its expertise in atomic clocks, timing and metrology, NPL partnered with Infleqtion through a series of collaborative projects to independently evaluate the performance of the Tiqker system.
The frequency accuracy, frequency stability, phase noise and environmental sensitivity were measured against references traceable to UTC(NPL). Scientists also assessed the clock's response to changes in temperature, humidity and magnetic field, helping to identify potential sensitivities and improve understanding of system behaviour under realistic operating conditions.
Using specialist facilities, including environmental chambers and advanced timing measurement infrastructure, NPL delivered detailed measurement analysis that provided Infleqtion with robust, independent performance data. Follow-on projects investigated specific environmental effects in greater detail, allowing the company to better understand and quantify the influence of humidity on clock performance.
The impact
The collaboration provided Infleqtion with trusted evidence of Tiqker's performance and environmental resilience. NPL's testing helped build confidence in the technology's reliability and readiness for real-world deployment. The results have supported ongoing product development and provided valuable evidence for customers, partners and stakeholders.
This collaboration demonstrates how measurement science can help bridge the gap between innovation and commercialisation. Through independent testing and evaluation, NPL has helped accelerate the development of a UK-developed quantum technology and supported its transition towards real-world applications.
What the customer says
Working with NPL has been extremely valuable in providing independent validation of Tiqker. Their world-class time and frequency facilities and deep metrology expertise have enabled us to characterise Tiqker with an exceptional level of rigour. The results have reinforced confidence in Tiqker’s performance and enabled faster development. As we move towards wider deployment, independent evaluation from NPL gives us, our customers, and our partners additional confidence in the capability and maturity of the technology.
Dr Ryan Hanley, Chief Technology Officer (CTO), UK - Infleqtion
About Infleqtion
Infleqtion is a leading full-spectrum quantum technology company developing and commercialising advanced quantum systems across precision timing, sensing, computing and software. With an established and growing UK operation, world-class scientific and engineering expertise, and a track record of delivering complex quantum systems, Infleqtion is focused on translating cutting-edge quantum science into deployable products that deliver real-world advantage.
Tiqker, built in the UK, is Infleqtion's compact optical atomic clock and is designed to bring the performance advantages of optical frequency standards into a robust, deployable platform. Combining high timing stability with a compact architecture, Tiqker is being developed for applications where precision, resilience and assured timing are critical, including communications, critical infrastructure, resilient PNT, defence and advanced sensing.