Microwave quantum illumination with a digital phase-conjugated receiver

Shabir Barzanjeh, Stefano Pirandola, David Vitali, Johannes Fink

Research output: Contribution to conferencePaperpeer-review

Abstract

Quantum illumination is a sensing technique that
employs entangled signal-idler beams to improve the detection
efficiency of low-reflectivity objects in environments with large
thermal noise. The advantage over classical strategies is evident
at low signal brightness, a feature which could make the protocol
an ideal prototype for non-invasive scanning or low-power shortrange
radar. Here we experimentally investigate the concept of
quantum illumination at microwave frequencies, by generating
entangled fields using a Josephson parametric converter which
are then amplified to illuminate a room-temperature object at
a distance of 1 meter. Starting from experimental data, we
simulate the case of perfect idler photon number detection,
which results in a quantum advantage compared to the relative
classical benchmark. Our results highlight the opportunities
and challenges on the way towards a first room-temperature
application of microwave quantum circuits.
Original languageEnglish
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 4 Dec 2020
Event2020 IEEE Radar Conference (RadarConf20) -
Duration: 21 Sept 202025 Sept 2020

Conference

Conference2020 IEEE Radar Conference (RadarConf20)
Period21/09/2025/09/20

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