Quantic Wenzel, a business of Quantic Electronics, has partnered with the Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre of Excellence for Engineered Quantum Systems (EQUS) to explore the effects of cosmic rays on quartz crystal oscillators. Research will take place at Australia’s deep-underground Cryogenic Experimental Laboratory for Low-background Australian Research (CELLAR) in Victoria’s Stawell Underground Physics Laboratory, an ideal environment to examine how cosmic rays influence quartz crystal oscillator phase noise and performance.

“CELLAR’s unique environment will enable us to test oscillators in ways that were previously impossible, potentially revealing new insights into oscillator phase noise limitations,” said Mehran Moss, Chief Engineer at Quantic Wenzel.

Dr. Maxim Goryachev, ARC Research Fellow, said, “This partnership will bring unprecedented clarity to the field, expanding our understanding of fundamental physics while advancing innovation in quantum technologies and high-tech industries.”

Funded by the ARC’s LIEF scheme, CELLAR’s unique setup shields experiments from cosmic radiation, enabling conditions to study noise limitations in quartz crystal oscillators. While initial research will focus on non-cryogenic performance, the partnership aims to ultimately develop cryogenic quartz crystal oscillators for ultra-precision applications.