Three Exail’s Absolute Quantum Gravimeters delivered to Tenerife for Advanced Volcano Monitoring

Exail, a global industrial company within the field of photonics and quantum technologies, announces the delivery of three Absolute Quantum Gravimeters (AQGs) to the Canary Islands Volcanological Institute (INVOLCAN). This acquisition marks a major step forward for monitoring volcanic activity in Tenerife—one of Europe’s most active regions—and confirms Exail’s ability to deploy industrial-grade quantum sensors for critical missions.

Located on some of the most closely studied volcanic systems in the world, the Canary Islands remain exposed to direct risks affecting their two million residents as well as the many visitors they receive each year. Since 2016, Tenerife has experienced a gradual increase in signs of volcanic unrest, marked by rising seismic activity and enhanced gas emissions from Teide, Europe’s highest volcano, standing at 3,715 meters. In this context, strengthening measurement instruments is essential to improving the authorities’ ability to anticipate emerging hazards. 

Integrated into INVOLCAN’s monitoring network, the first Exail’s AQG will be installed at the north-west edge of Tenerife Island, complementing existing geophysical instruments. Their ability to detect extremely small gravity variations linked to underground mass movements will enable more detailed tracking of magmatic system dynamics and enhance the reliability of real-time assessments. Two additional installations are planned in the coming months.

“We are excited about this relevant improvement in the volcano monitoring program of INVOLCAN in the Canary Islands. Thanks to the financial support of the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, we achieved this new milestone, positioning Tenerife at the forefront of volcano monitoring from both scientific and technological perspectives.” said Luca d’Auria, volcanologist, Director of the Volcanic Surveillance at INVOLCAN

Exail’s AQGs rely on atomic interferometry to measure gravity with extreme level of precision. Leveraging quantum technologies - rubidium atoms trapped and manipulated with lasers in vacuum – these instruments deliver long-term gravity time series without the drifts that affect conventional gravimeters and maintain performance even under challenging environmental conditions. With no moving mechanical parts, no instrumental drift, and no maintenance requirements, they ensure real-time insights for continuous monitoring and early-warning systems.