Currently there is interest in the possibility of using quantum-mechanically entangled light to enhance the spatial resolution of sensors. Here I review some applications of equations in quantum-mechanical form to the design of sensors and related systems. In order to consider comparing equations against experiments, we will need to distinguish models comprised of mathematical formulas, whether quantum-mechanical or classical, from experiments with devices such as lasers and light detectors. The following sections sketch: * two known ways to connect quantum models to experiments (one statistical-mechanical, the other by way of probabilities); * an approximate way to translate from equations of classical electromagnetism to the quantum language of photons and detection probabilities, concentrating on interferometric effects; * quantum-mechanically suggested possibilities and obstacles for light-based radar (lidar) to enhance positional accuracy and spatial resolution; * a recently proved universal gap between, on one hand, quantum-mechanical models composed of equations and, on the other hand, experiments with devices, with the consequent need and opportunities for a designer to choose models as descriptions of measured behavior.
Currently there is interest in the possibility of using quantum-mechanically entangled light to enhance the spatial resolution of sensors. Here I review some applications of equations in quantum-mechanical form to the design of sensors and related systems. In order to consider comparing equations against experiments, we will need to distinguish models comprised of mathematical formulas, whether quantum-mechanical or classical, from experiments with devices such as lasers and light detectors. The following sections sketch: * two known ways to connect quantum models to experiments (one statistical-mechanical, the other by way of probabilities); * an approximate way to translate from equations of classical electromagnetism to the quantum language of photons and detection probabilities, concentrating on interferometric effects; * quantum-mechanically suggested possibilities and obstacles for light-based radar (lidar) to enhance positional accuracy and spatial resolution; * a recently proved universal gap between, on one hand, quantum-mechanical models composed of equations and, on the other hand, experiments with devices, with the consequent need and opportunities for a designer to choose models as descriptions of measured behavior.
Quantum optical sensing is a technique that utilizes quantum mechanics to enhance, sensitivity and precision to a level considered unparalleled so far. This chapter attempts to introduce the reader to the basics of this fast-growing field along with various technologies and applications. It begins with an explanation of quantum mechanics, superposition, entanglement, and quantum coherence that allow sensors to go beyond classical performance. One of the central technologies is quantum entanglement – the phenomenon whereby several particles become instantaneous spouses and are measured with utmost precision, for instance, distance, time, and magnetic fields. Entanglement Interferometry is entanglement applied in the detection of gravitational waves and high-resolution imaging. Squeezed light, the other area of interest, is a method that removes some of the fluctuations in one parameter of light, to increase the interferometer sensor, to measure small movements and low-frequency gravitational waves. Single photon emitting devices and detectors enable high-sensitivity measurements in applications such as bioimaging and quantum-securing communication. The chapter also illustrates the usage of this technology in practice in healthcare, environment, and navigation, like the examination of biomarkers and pollutants. Last is the discussion of issues such as quantum coherence and issues of scalability and development of QTs, as well as the proposed further development and more potential advances for QTs as a medium for mass use.
Quantum mechanical uncertainty After reviewing the main characteristics of the classical description of light, let us discuss those aspects of the quantization of the electromagnetic field which are of relevance for the analysis of the phenomena we are interested in. It seems a reasonable place to start to make clear the fundamental difference between the classical and the quantum mechanical description of nature; we will come across this difference many times when discussing experiments, and it will often give us a headache. We have to deal with the physical meaning of what is called uncertainty. The starting point of the classical description is the conviction that natural processes have a “factual” character. This means that physical variables such as the position or momentum of a particle have, in each single case, a well defined (in general, time dependent) value. However, it will not always be possible to measure all the appropriate variables (for instance, the instantaneous electric field strength of a radiation field); furthermore under normal circumstances we are able to measure only with a finite precision. Hence the basic credo of classical physics should be given in the following form: we are justified in imagining a world with variables possessing well defined values which are not known precisely (or not known at all). In doing this we are not forming any conclusions that contradict our everyday experiences. This is the fundamental concept of classical statistics: we are satisfied with the use of probability distributions for the variables we are interested in, not from fundamental but purely practical reasons.
Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) has emerged as a pivotal sensor across diverse domains such as autonomous driving, mapping, and remote sensing, owing to its exceptional orientation capabilities and high resolution. The detection mechanism of LiDAR is fundamentally categorized into non-coherent detection and coherent detection. Non-coherent detection employs the direct detection method, which involves measuring changes in the intensity of the reflected light signal to achieve detection. Pulse LiDAR, which determines the target range through pulsed time-of-flight measurements, falls within this classification. On the other hand, coherent detection employs heterodyne detection techniques and achieves detection by measuring the frequency or phase difference between the echo signal and the local oscillator signal. This approach is utilized in frequency modulation continuous wave (FMCW) LiDAR and Doppler speed LiDAR. LiDAR systems employing coherent detection methods can attain heightened sensitivity while operating at lower transmission power levels. However, due to the limitations posed by quantum noise, conventional LiDAR systems have encountered challenges in terms of detection sensitivity and resolution, prompting the need for advancement. In recent times, spurred by the emergence of quantum metrology, a quantum version of LiDAR has been conceptualized, promising superior precision and resolution. Leveraging the enhanced signal-to-noise ratio made possible by quantum advancements, quantum LiDAR demonstrates the potential to extend detection ranges, elevate detection accuracy, bolster anti-jamming capabilities, and enhance anti-stealth performance beyond that of classical LiDAR, all while operating at equivalent transmission signal power levels. As an emerging technology, quantum LiDAR is currently in its exploratory phase, and several challenges must be confronted prior to its practical implementation. These challenges encompass a restricted array of methods for the effective generation of quantum light sources, the vulnerability of quantum states to environmental factors, resulting in their deterioration, the constrained techniques for modulating quantum light sources, and the critical necessity to augment detector sensitivity. Furthermore, present quantum LiDAR efforts primarily concentrate on imaging and ranging capabilities, with limited research dedicated to simultaneous velocity measurement and ranging. Hence, forthcoming investigations into quantum LiDAR will center around optimizing quantum light source efficiency, exploring high-dimensional modulation techniques, and advancing high-sensitivity detectors. These efforts aim to enhance system stability and enable miniaturization, ultimately leading to superior target detection performance. This review centers on the evaluation of ranging and velocity measurement performance within quantum LiDAR systems. Following a concise introduction to two renowned categories of classical LiDAR—namely, pulse LiDAR and FMCW LiDAR, the paper delves into the progress made in quantum pulsed LiDAR and quantum interferometric LiDAR. In particular, this review highlights the advancements in quantum FMCW LiDAR, a system proposed for achieving simultaneous range and velocity measurements with quantum enhancement. By conducting a thorough assessment of the current accomplishments in quantum LiDAR research, the study seeks to attain a more profound comprehension of prevailing research focal points and obstacles, thus offering invaluable insights to steer its prospective advancement.
The quantum physics of light is a most fascinating field. Here I present a very personal viewpoint, focusing on my own path to quantum entanglement and then on to applications. I have been fascinated by quantum physics ever since I heard about it for the first time in school. The theory struck me immediately for two reasons: (1) its immense mathematical beauty, and (2) the unparalleled precision to which its predictions have been verified again and again. Particularly fascinating for me were the predictions of quantum mechanics for individual particles, individual quantum systems. Surprisingly, the experimental realization of many of these fundamental phenomena has led to novel ideas for applications. Starting from my early experiments with neutrons, I later became interested in quantum entanglement, initially focusing on multi-particle entanglement like GHZ states. This work opened the experimental possibility to do quantum teleportation and quantum hyper-dense coding. The latter became the first entanglement-based quantum experiment breaking a classical limitation. One of the most fascinating phenomena is entanglement swapping, the teleportation of an entangled state. This phenomenon is fundamentally interesting because it can entangle two pairs of particles which do not share any common past. Surprisingly, it also became an important ingredient in a number of applications, including quantum repeaters which will connect future quantum computers with each other. Another application is entanglement-based quantum cryptography where I present some recent long-distance experiments. Entanglement swapping has also been applied in very recent so-called loophole-free tests of Bell's theorem. Within the physics community such loophole-free experiments are perceived as providing nearly definitive proof that local realism is untenable. While, out of principle, local realism can never be excluded entirely, the 2015 achievements narrow down the remaining possibilities for local realistic explanations of the quantum phenomenon of entanglement in a significant way. These experiments may go down in the history books of science. Future experiments will address particularly the freedom-of-choice loophole using cosmic sources of randomness. Such experiments confirm that unconditionally secure quantum cryptography is possible, since quantum cryptography based on Bell's theorem can provide unconditional security. The fact that the experiments were loophole-free proves that an eavesdropper cannot avoid detection in an experiment that correctly follows the protocol. I finally discuss some recent experiments with single- and entangled-photon states in higher dimensions. Such experiments realized quantum entanglement between two photons, each with quantum numbers beyond 10 000 and also simultaneous entanglement of two photons where each carries more than 100 dimensions. Thus they offer the possibility of quantum communication with more than one bit or qubit per photon. The paper concludes discussing Einstein's contributions and viewpoints of quantum mechanics. Even if some of his positions are not supported by recent experiments, he has to be given credit for the fact that his analysis of fundamental issues gave rise to developments which led to a new information technology. Finally, I reflect on some of the lessons learned by the fact that nature cannot be local, that objective randomness exists and about the emergence of a classical world. It is suggestive that information plays a fundamental role also in the foundations of quantum physics.
It is now well appreciated that quantum physics can be used to build better sensors. Such sensors can be based on unitary systems like various types of interferometers or open systems based on scattering and lossy transmission channels. I would highlight not only the importance of the quantum states used as probes, but also the importance of the quantum-ness of the measurement schemes. I would bring out the especial importance of the squeezed states of matter and light for sensing studies. I would illustrate the results with experiments.