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arXiv:2602.20553 · RAND Corporation eBooks

Assessing the Practical Feasibility of the Clader-Jacobs-Sprouse Quantum Algorithm for Calculating Radar Cross Sections

Edward Parker, Nicholas A. O'Donoughue, Alvin Moon, Nicolas M. Robles

quant-phSubmitted Feb 24, 2026• Announced Feb 25, 2026• 0 citations
arXivHTMLPDF

Abstract

In 2013, Clader, Jacobs, and Sprouse developed a quantum computing algorithm that solves electromagnetic scattering problems exponentially faster than the best known classical algorithm for that problem. We examine this quantum algorithm's potential practical feasibility for modeling a target's radar cross section. Doing so could be important for modeling and predicting radar behavior against emerging targets.

DOI
10.7249/RRA4086-1
Comments
44 pages, 6 figures. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 2026

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In 2013, Clader, Jacobs, and Sprouse developed a quantum computing algorithm that solves electromagnetic scattering problems exponentially faster than the best known classical algorithm for that problem. We examine this quantum algorithm's potential practical feasibility for modeling a target's radar cross section. Doing so could be important for modeling and predicting radar behavior against emerging targets.
Sidelobe structures on classical radar cross section graphs are a consequence of discontinuities in the surface currents. In contrast, quantum radar theory states that sidelobe structures on quantum radar cross section graphs are due to quantum interference. Moreover, it is conjectured that quantum sidelobe structures may be used to detect targets oriented off the specular direction. Because of the high data bandwidth expected from quantum radar, it may be necessary to use sophisticated quantum signal analysis algorithms to determine the presence of stealth targets through the sidelobe structures. In this paper we introduce three potential quantum algorithmic techniques to compute classical and quantum radar cross sections. It is our purpose to develop a computer science-oriented tool for further physical analysis of quantum radar models as well as applications of quantum radar technology in various fields.
Many problems cannot be solved analytically, thus numerical methods are required. It turns out that many problems are too complex and therefore beyond the reach of current algorithms and computers. Quantum computation might offer fundamental improvements in solving these problems. However, it is a difficult task to estimate the computational power of quantum algorithms. The aim of this thesis is to find applications related to aerospace especially well suited for quantum computation and estimate their possible quantum advantage. In particular we focus on the calculation of radar cross sections, which has been suggested as a promising candidate for quantum speedup. It turns out that the main problem lies in the input of classical data. Hence, the reimplementation of classical finite element method is needed, requiring a substantial amount of quantum resources. Asymptotically a quantum speedup is achievable but it is far beyond the reach of today’s capabilities to successfully implement the quantum algorithm for this application. Additionally, a serious prediction regarding the timeframe is not foreseeable yet. Substantial breakthroughs are necessary to make quantum computation compete against classical computation in calculating radar cross sections using the finite element method.
The Radar Cross Section (RCS) is a crucial element for assessing target visibility and target characterization, and it depends not only on the target’s geometry but also on its composition. However, the calculation of the RCS is a challenging task due to the mathematical description of electromagnetic phenomena as well as the computational resources needed. In this paper, we will introduce two ideas for the use of quantum information processing techniques to calculate the RCS of dielectric targets. The first is to use toolboxes of quantum functions to determine the geometric component of the RCS. The second idea is to use quantum walks, expressed in terms of scattering processes, to model radar absorbing materials.
The radar cross section σC is an objective measure of the "radar visibility" of an object. As such, σC is an important concept for the correct characterization of the operational performance of radar systems. Furthermore, σC is equally essential for the design and development of stealth weapon systems and platforms. Recent years have seen the theoretical development of quantum radars, that is, radars that operate with a small number of photons. In this regime, the radar-target interaction is described through photon-atom scattering processes governed by the laws of quantum electrodynamics. As such, it is theoretically inconsistent to use the same σC to characterize the performance of a quantum radar. In this paper we define a quantum radar cross section σQ based on quantum electrodynamics and interferometric considerations. We discuss the theoretical challenges of defining σQ, as well as computer simulations of σC and σQ for simple targets.
Quantum radar may become a revolutionary technology in the battlefield of the electromagnetic environment. In this work, we proposed a simulational analysis of the quantum radar scattering environment for the typical 2D target. By following the recent set-up of a principle prototype, we gave the data in both monostatic and bistatic scattering scenarios based on our calculation of the quantum radar cross section. In particular, we used the convenient analysis formulas instead of the traditional numerical algorithm in this simulation. Finally, our results showed that both monostatic and bistatic scattering data are relatively significant so that this set-up of simulation may be useful for the experimental feasibility.