DARPA exploring mini, atomic sensor systems as alternative to GPS

coondoggie writes: "The scientists at Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency want to develop a sophisticated miniature system of atomic sensors that could help military personnel with positioning, targeting, navigation, and guidance without relying on current GPS technology. Specifically DARPA wants to build what it calls a "miniature Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU)" that integrates atomic and solid-state inertial sensors in a single microsystem, with a volume of no more than 20 cubic centimeters and power consumption of no more than 1 Watt (1 W)."