Locating Objects with Quantum Radar

Matthew J. Brandsema, Ram M. Narayanan, Marco O. Lanzagorta

The quantum radar cross section (QRCS) is a measure of how electromagnetically “large” an object appears to a quantum radar. The fundamental mechanism that creates the return response is the interaction between the atomic electric dipole moments and the incoming photon. This paper derives the QRCS equation considering the effect of photon polarization in this interaction, as well as providing a means to study bistatic radar geometries. It is found that under normal circumstances, polarization plays no role in the target response. However, if the target's atomic dipoles are all aligned in one particular direction, such as if the object is in a strong uniform or slowly varying field, polarization has a significant effect on the response by allowing us to “steer” the location of a null to any observation angle desired. Furthermore, scattering can be suppressed in a very large range of scattering angles (not just one) if the polarization of the object and photon are chosen judiciously. It will be shown that this effect is unique to quantum radar and has no classical counterpart.

Ricardo Gallego Torromé, Shabir Barzanjeh

Dai Zhi-ping

At present,the quantum information theory is developing vigorously,and its application has penetrated in every domain of natural sciences.The quantum radar is one kind of application of quantum technology to detect objects.The quantum radar is able to detect the stealth objects and has super strong concealment and flexibility.The classification,the principle,the composition,the feature and the key technology of the quantum radar are mainly introduced.

Marco O. Lanzagorta

Marco O. Lanzagorta

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.

Marco O. Lanzagorta