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Proceedings of SPIE, the International Society for Optical Engineering/Proceedings of SPIE

Algorithmic analysis of quantum radar cross sections

Marco O. Lanzagorta, Salvador Elías Venegas-Andraca

Published May 21, 2015• 16 citations
Publisher

Abstract

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.

DOI
10.1117/12.2177238

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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.
In radar, the amount of returns that an object sends back to the receiver after being struck by an electromagnetic wave is characterized by what is known as the radar cross section, denoted by � typically. There are many mechanisms that affect how much radiation is reflected back in the receiver direction, such as reflectivity, physical contours and dimensions, attenuation properties of the materials, projected cross sectional area and so on. All of these characteristics are lumped together in a single value of �, which has units of m2. Stealth aircrafts for example are designed to minimize its radar cross section and return the smallest amount of radiation possible in the receiver direction. A new concept has been introduced called quantum radar, that uses correlated quantum states of photons as well as the unique properties of quantum mechanics to ascertain information on a target at a distance. At the time of writing this dissertation, quantum radar is very much in its infancy. There still exist fundamental questions about the feasibility of its implementation, especially in the microwave spectrum. However, what has been theoretically determined, is that quantum radar has a fundamental advantage over classical radar in terms of resolution and returns in certain regimes. Analogous to the classical radar cross section (CRCS), the concept of the quantum radar cross section (QRCS) has been introduced. This quantity measures how “large” an object looks to a quantum radar be describing how a single photon, or small cluster of photons scatter off of a macroscopic target. Preliminary simulations of the basic quantum radar cross section equation have yielded promising results showing an advantage in sidelobe response in comparison to the classical RCS. This document expands upon this idea by providing insight as to where this advantage expanding upon the theory. The expanded theory presented in this document includes re-deriving the QRCS formula to be a general bistatic formula, as the current equation is only valid for monostatic radar geometries. This re-derivation process also leads to the addition of terms that capture the effect of photon polarization, something that is not properly taken into account in the current literature. Most importantly, a new formulation of the QRCS formula will be derived that includes writing the equation in terms of Fourier transforms. This has a profound impact on the analysis of the theory of the QRCS as it allows for the derivation of closed form solutions of certain geometries, something that has never been possible due to the form of the current QRCS equation. All together, this document will provide a complete and general theory of the QRCS. After deriving the necessary equations, there will be extensive work in the utilization of these equations in deriving geometry dependent responses and comparing the closed form solutions to the classical solutions as well as comparing the solutions to the numerical simulations. The current literature relies exclusively on numerical simulations…
Quantum radar is a new detection technology based on the mechanism of quantum physics and is promising for enhancing radar target detection capability. In this letter, the quantum radar equation is established based on the traditional radar equation; meanwhile, how the quantum radar cross section (QRCS) influences target detection performance and how QRCSs for some typical targets distribute are investigated via simulations. Simulation results demonstrate that the signal-to-noise ratio increases with the QRCS, the peak values of side-lobes of the QRCS for the cylinder surface fluctuate little, and the QRCS for corner reflectors almost exhibits no variations in a wide range of incident angles. The results listed above can benefit the signal design and performance evaluation of quantum radar as well as the design of quantum stealthy targets.
Quantum radar offers the prospect of detecting, identifying, and resolving RF stealth platforms and weapons systems, but the corresponding quantum radar cross section (QRCS) simulation is restricted-almost all existing methods can only be used for the two-dimensional (2-D) targets, not the 3-D targets even for convex targets. We propose a novel method that can deal with the calculation of the orthogonal projected area (A⊥) of the target in each incidence, which is the key part of QRCS simulation for the arbitrary 3-D convex target. To the best of our knowledge, this has not been reported before. In this paper, we introduce a three-step computation process of (A⊥), and verified the method for typical 2-D targets. Finally, we show some results for typical 3-D convex targets and compared the QRCS with classical radar cross section (CRCS). Meanwhile, we analyze the superposition of quantum effect of side lobes for 3-D convex targets. The proposed method provides a key improvement for realizing the universalization and utilization of QRCS calculation.
This Paper examines novel approach the advancements in Q-dots based quantum radar technology, design considerations for its integration, and quantum radar cross section (QRCS) based on interferometric and quantum electrodynamics. In addition to performing standard target detection and recognition duties, quantum radar systems with quantum measurement assistance may also detect and identify RF stealth platforms and missile systems. In numerous fields of study, the advancement of radar technology is crucial. A quantum radar is a notion that has been developed that uses photon quantum states to gather information about a distant target. A single photon or a small group of photons is directed in the direction of the target. The target absorbs the photons, which are then re-emitted into the receiver. There are two possible approaches to carrying out the measurement procedure. An interferometric analysis can be performed.one can either count the number of photons that return or perform a measurement (or phase measurement) on the photon. Since the latter technique is called Quantum Illumination, the former is called Interferometric Quantum Radar. Entangled states or stationary quantum states of photons can be used for either of those techniques. Entangled states have been demonstrated to offer the best resolution enhancement, reaching the optimum situation. Compared to classical approaches, the advantage of adopting quantum states is that they show more degrees of correlation via which information can be obtained. These additional correlations, sometimes referred to as quantum correlations, increase the radar system's potential resolution and signal/noise ratio (SNR). Relationship research between the two photons is conducted in order to gather data. Coherent state quantum radar relies on coherent state photons and a quantum detection technique to overcome the diffraction limit. The design and operating concepts of quantum applied trends are also reviewed in this work.
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.
We derive a modified analytical expression of a quantum radar cross section (QRCS). Subsequently, we present a comparison between the QRCS and a classical radar cross section (RCS) and analyze the factors that can affect the intensity of the peak and side lobes. Simulation results on a flat rectangular plate demonstrate that QRCS has a similar structure to that of RCS. The analysis of side-lobe structure can benefit the design of quantum stealth platforms as well as the research on quantum radars.