Quantum Mechanics, Radar and The Significance of Scale

Murat Can Karakoç, Abdurrahman Can Kıraç, Özgün Ersoy +1 more

This paper provides a detailed exploration of quantum radar technology, focusing on the generation, measurement, and theoretical analysis of quantum-correlated signals in both optical and microwave domains. We examine the mechanisms behind producing entangled signals and their application to improve radar sensitivity and accuracy in noisy environments. A review of key studies is presented, with emphasis on their experimental setups and the limitations that define the potential of quantum radar. By aggregating data on object detection range and analyzing global research trends through visualizations, including a bar chart and a world map, we illustrate the growing interest and research efforts in this domain. Our findings highlight the significant advancements and remaining challenges in developing practical quantum radar systems, as well as the worldwide collaboration driving progress in this cutting-edge field.

Marco O. Lanzagorta

Simanchalo Panigrahi, T Jaganatha Patro

Quantum radar represents a promising advancement over classical radar systems by exploiting quantum mechanical phenomena such as entanglement and quantum measurement to overcome fundamental detection limitations. This paper reviews the evolution of radar technology from conventional radar frequency systems to quantum radar architectures, with emphasis on sensitivity enhancement and detection of RF-stealth targets for military defense applications. Classical radar parameters such as radar range, transmitted power and cross section are revisited and extended to their quantum analogues. The role of entangled single photon sources in improving detection performance under high noise and jamming environments is discussed. Context of microwave quantum radar is reviewed along with photonic implementations. This paper further highlights the importance of quantum measurement theory, including system-apparatus entanglement, density matrix formalism and wave function collapse in extracting information from quantum radar systems. Although significant experimental challenges remain, recent advances indicate strong potential for future development of quantum radar in next generation defense and surveillance systems.

van Jasper Wezel

Gaspare Galati, Gabriele Pavan, Fred E. Daum

The engineering applications of quantum mechanics have seen both successes (mainly in metrology and sensing) and failures. Failures, generally full of teachings, deserve some analysis. A significant failure case is that of quantum radar (QR), studied for over 15 years, with some hundred publications produced, but with neither real-word applications nor operational results. In the QR case, even before the experimental phase, simple evaluations indicate the lack of effectiveness in all practical applications. This “negative” result (in Karl Popper’s falsification theory meaning) was ignored, or censored, for a relatively long period, which may be explained by (i) a not-adequate self-evaluation process, (ii) Pareto’s analysis of belief, and (iii) some researchers’ networking.

Sudip Chakravarty