Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

IEEE Microwave Magazine

Quantum Radar: Challenges and Outlook: An Overview of the State of the Art

David Luong, Bhashyam Balaji, Sreeraman Rajan

Published Aug 4, 2023• 12 citations
Publisher

Abstract

Quantum radar is a fledgling new technology that promises gains in detection performance. However, there are challenges standing in the way of their implementation. In this article, three classes of quantum radars are discussed: quantum interferometric radar, quantum illumination radar, and quantum two-mode squeezing (QTMS) radar. Of these, the last-named is the closest to being implemented in real life, though it is by no means the last word on the subject. In conclusion, we find that quantum radars are at least worth studying further.

DOI
10.1109/mmm.2023.3284765

Related papers

Are Quantum Radar Arrays Possible?

David Luong, Sreeraman Rajan, Bhashyam Balaji

Recently, a quantum-enhanced radar transmitter operating at microwave frequencies, called a quantum two-mode squeezing radar (QTMS radar), was demonstrated in the laboratory. Inspired by this, we discuss the possibility of building an array of quantum radars. In order for quantum radars to be practically relevant, it is important that an array can be built. We find that it is indeed possible to build such an array, but that the details matter. A quantum illumination radar array may not be very effective, but a QTMS radar array is quite amenable to array signal processing. We also briefly discuss the practical aspects of building a quantum radar array.

IEEE International Symposium on Phased Array Systems and Technology (PAST)•Oct 1, 2019•13 citations

Quantum illumination and quantum radar: a brief overview

Athena Karsa, Alasdair I. Fletcher, Gaetana Spedalieri +1 more

Quantum illumination (QI) and quantum radar have emerged as potentially groundbreaking technologies, leveraging the principles of quantum mechanics to revolutionise the field of remote sensing and target detection. The protocol, particularly in the context of quantum radar, has been subject to a great deal of aspirational conjecture as well as criticism with respect to its realistic potential. In this review, we present a broad overview of the field of quantum target detection focusing on QI and its potential as an underlying scheme for a quantum radar operating at microwave frequencies. We provide context for the field by considering its historical development and fundamental principles. Our aim is to provide a balanced discussion on the state of theoretical and experimental progress towards realising a working QI-based quantum radar, and draw conclusions about its current outlook and future directions.

arXiv:2310.06049•Reports on Progress in Physics•Aug 1, 2024•35 citations

Entanglement-Based Quantum Radar: From Myth to Reality

David Luong, Sreeraman Rajan, Bhashyam Balaji

Many quantum radars currently studied in the literature use a phenomenon called entanglement to address the problem of distinguishing signal from noise, which is one of the most important problems faced by any radar. Until recently, entanglement-based quantum radars at radio frequencies existed only in theory; their practicality was very much in doubt. The situation has changed with a recent experimental implementation of all the necessary components of a quantum two-mode squeezing (QTMS) radar, which operates at microwave frequencies and can be described as a quantum range finder. In this article, we lay out the exact problem solved by this prototype, namely quantum noise, and explain how entanglement can overcome the existence of this noise. By analyzing the QTMS radar prototype, we point out a technological route to an entanglement-based quantum radar that can, in principle, perform all tasks that radars can and must do, such as array processing, clutter suppression, and image processing (including synthetic aperture radar and inverse synthetic aperture radar).

IEEE Aerospace and Electronic Systems Magazine•Apr 1, 2020•47 citations

Radar applications of quantum squeezing

David Luong, Bhashyam Balaji

Recent experimental results have demonstrated gains in sensing capability using novel possibilities offered by quantum mechanics. In particular, a prototype radar which uses quantum techniques to enhance detection ability has been built in a laboratory, showing that quantum radars at RF frequencies are feasible. This prototype is called a quantum two-mode squeezing radar (QTMS radar). In this paper, we use the QTMS radar as a springboard to review the concept of quantum squeezing. We find that Josephson parametric amplifiers (JPAs), one of which was used in the QTMS radar prototype, can be employed to produce two-mode and one-mode squeezed states at RF frequencies. We then briefly discuss some of the possible applications of such states to the field of radar engineering.

Signal processing, sensor fusion, and target recognition. Conference•May 7, 2019•1 citation

Quantum Monopulse Radar

David Luong, Sreeraman Rajan, Bhashyam Balaji

We evaluate the feasibility of a quantum monopulse radar, focusing on quantum illumination (QI) radars and quantum two-mode squeezing (QTMS) radars. Based on their similarity with noise radar, for which monopulse operation is known to be possible, we find that QTMS radars can be adapted into monopulse radars, but QI radars cannot. We conclude that quantum monopulse radars are feasible.

2020 International Applied Computational Electromagnetics Society Symposium (ACES)•Jul 1, 2020•6 citations

Quantum Monopulse Radar

David Luong, Sreeraman Rajan, Bhashyam Balaji

We evaluate the feasibility of a quantum monopulse radar, focusing on quantum illumination (QI) radars and quantum two-mode squeezing (QTMS) radars. Based on their similarity with noise radar, for which monopulse operation is known to be possible, we find that QTMS radars can be adapted into monopulse radars, but QI radars cannot. We conclude that quantum monopulse radars are feasible.

The Applied Computational Electromagnetics Society Journal (ACES)•Feb 5, 2021•2 citations
Quantum radar is a fledgling new technology that promises gains in detection performance. However, there are challenges standing in the way of their implementation. In this article, three classes of quantum radars are discussed: quantum interferometric radar, quantum illumination radar, and quantum two-mode squeezing (QTMS) radar. Of these, the last-named is the closest to being implemented in real life, though it is by no means the last word on the subject. In conclusion, we find that quantum radars are at least worth studying further.
Recently, a quantum-enhanced radar transmitter operating at microwave frequencies, called a quantum two-mode squeezing radar (QTMS radar), was demonstrated in the laboratory. Inspired by this, we discuss the possibility of building an array of quantum radars. In order for quantum radars to be practically relevant, it is important that an array can be built. We find that it is indeed possible to build such an array, but that the details matter. A quantum illumination radar array may not be very effective, but a QTMS radar array is quite amenable to array signal processing. We also briefly discuss the practical aspects of building a quantum radar array.
Quantum illumination (QI) and quantum radar have emerged as potentially groundbreaking technologies, leveraging the principles of quantum mechanics to revolutionise the field of remote sensing and target detection. The protocol, particularly in the context of quantum radar, has been subject to a great deal of aspirational conjecture as well as criticism with respect to its realistic potential. In this review, we present a broad overview of the field of quantum target detection focusing on QI and its potential as an underlying scheme for a quantum radar operating at microwave frequencies. We provide context for the field by considering its historical development and fundamental principles. Our aim is to provide a balanced discussion on the state of theoretical and experimental progress towards realising a working QI-based quantum radar, and draw conclusions about its current outlook and future directions.
Many quantum radars currently studied in the literature use a phenomenon called entanglement to address the problem of distinguishing signal from noise, which is one of the most important problems faced by any radar. Until recently, entanglement-based quantum radars at radio frequencies existed only in theory; their practicality was very much in doubt. The situation has changed with a recent experimental implementation of all the necessary components of a quantum two-mode squeezing (QTMS) radar, which operates at microwave frequencies and can be described as a quantum range finder. In this article, we lay out the exact problem solved by this prototype, namely quantum noise, and explain how entanglement can overcome the existence of this noise. By analyzing the QTMS radar prototype, we point out a technological route to an entanglement-based quantum radar that can, in principle, perform all tasks that radars can and must do, such as array processing, clutter suppression, and image processing (including synthetic aperture radar and inverse synthetic aperture radar).
Recent experimental results have demonstrated gains in sensing capability using novel possibilities offered by quantum mechanics. In particular, a prototype radar which uses quantum techniques to enhance detection ability has been built in a laboratory, showing that quantum radars at RF frequencies are feasible. This prototype is called a quantum two-mode squeezing radar (QTMS radar). In this paper, we use the QTMS radar as a springboard to review the concept of quantum squeezing. We find that Josephson parametric amplifiers (JPAs), one of which was used in the QTMS radar prototype, can be employed to produce two-mode and one-mode squeezed states at RF frequencies. We then briefly discuss some of the possible applications of such states to the field of radar engineering.