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

On the potentials of Tensor-based Quantum Machine Learning for SAR land-cover classification

Sreejit Dutta, Sigurd Huber, Gerhard Krieger

Published Apr 1, 2024• 0 citations
OpenAlex

Abstract

Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data, characterised by its high-dimensionality and complex spatial correlations, poses significant challenges in terms of efficient processing and meaningful interpretation. Classical algorithms, while effective, often struggle with the sheer volume and intricacy of the data. This paper introduces a novel approach employing tensor quantum machine learning (QML) to tackle the intricacies of SAR data. By harnessing the computational advantages of quantum mechanics and the representational efficiency of tensor networks, we try to achieve enhanced feature extraction and pattern recognition. We look at various Tensor decomposition schemes to reduce data dimensionality as well as Tensor based quantum circuits to perform land-cover classification. Preliminary results, based on simulations, demonstrate the potential of our tensor QML framework. For the scope of this research so far, we worked with simulated amplitude and phase data, but we will be applying the same for real world data in the future. This interdisciplinary study not only opens avenues for improved SAR data analysis but also enriches the burgeoning field of quantum machine learning by highlighting its applicability in remote sensing domains.

Related papers

Integrating Quantum-Classical Algorithms with Tensor Networks for Noise Reduction in Synthetic Aperture Radar

Dutta, Sreejit, Huber, Sigurd, Krieger, Gerhard

Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imaging is crucial in remote sensing due to its ability to produce high-resolution images regardless of weather conditions or daylight. However, SAR images often suffer from various types of noise, especially speckle noise, which degrades image quality and complicates data analysis. Traditional noise reduction techniques face challenges in balancing noise suppression with the preservation of image details. Recent deep learning approaches, such as U-Net architectures, have made strides in addressing these issues. Simultaneously, quantum computing has emerged as a promising field that can potentially enhance computational methods in image processing. We propose a hybrid classical-quantum U-Net framework that integrates quantum-classical algorithms with tensor networks for improved noise reduction in SAR images. Leveraging the representational capacity of tensor networks and the computational strengths of quantum algorithms, our method aims to surpass the limitations of classical techniques in managing complex noise patterns. In our architecture, certain layers of the U-Net are implemented using quantum circuits specifically optimized for noise suppression. The inclusion of tensor networks enables efficient handling of high-dimensional data within the hybrid model. The idea is to perform extensive experiments on standard SAR datasets to demonstrate that our hybrid U-Net outperforms traditional denoising methods and purely classical deep learning models in both noise reduction and detail preservation. Quantitative assessments using metrics like Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio (PSNR) and Structural Similarity Index (SSIM) would be used for comparison. Moreover, we will evaluate the computational efficiency of our approach, underscoring the potential of quantum computing to expedite complex image processing tasks. This work aims to highlight the feasibility and benefits of integrating quantum computing into practical remote sensing applications. Our hybrid quantum-classical U-Net architecture with tensor networks paves the way for advanced noise reduction techniques in SAR imaging and potentially other domains. Future research will focus on optimizing quantum circuit designs for specific noise types and exploring the scalability of our approach alongside advancements in quantum hardware.

•Dec 1, 2025•0 citations

Quantum classification for synthetic aperture radar

Salil Naik, Nolan Vaughn, Glen S. Uehara +2 more

The field of quantum computing, especially quantum machine learning (QML), has been the subject of much research in recent years. Leveraging the quantum properties of superposition and entanglement promises exponential decrease in computation costs. With the promises of increased speed and accuracy in the quantum paradigm, many classical machine learning algorithms have been adapted to run on quantum computers, typically using a quantum-classical hybrid model. While some work has been done to compare classical and quantum classification algorithms in the Electro-Optical (EO) image domain, this paper will compare the performance of classical and quantum-hybrid classification algorithms in their applications on Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data using the MSTAR dataset. We find that there is no significant difference in classification performance when training with quantum algorithms in ideal simulators as compared to their classical counterparts. However, the true performance benefits will become more apparent as the hardware matures.

Automatic target recognition. Conference•Jun 7, 2024•2 citations

Remote Sensing Imagery Classification Techniques Using Quantum Deep Learning

Puneet Anchalia, G.S. Smrithy, D. Kavitha +1 more

Remote sensing imagery classification remains a formidable challenge, primarily attributed to the high dimensionality and complexity inherent in the data. While deep learning has demonstrated efficacy in this domain, its computational demands and reliance on extensive training data pose significant hurdles. This research investigates how quantum computing could be able to overcome these constraints and improve deep learning’s capacity for classifying remote sensing data. The study provides an extensive review of recent developments in quantum deep learning techniques specifically tailored for remote sensing applications. Various quantum algorithms designed for image feature extraction and classification are discussed, shedding light on their potential to revolutionize the field. As a practical demonstration, the chapter presents a case study focused on leveraging quantum deep learning for land cover classification using Sentinel-2 imagery. This chapter’s main focus is on hybrid quantum convolutional neural networks (QCNNs) based on circuits as effective tools for remote sensing picture classification. These hybrid models integrate quantum layers within traditional neural networks, introducing a novel paradigm for image analysis. To evaluate the efficacy of this approach, the proposed QCNN architecture is applied to land-use and land-cover classification, employing the Euro SAT dataset as a benchmark.

Auerbach Publications eBooks•Mar 3, 2025•0 citations

Quantum Image Fusion Methods for Remote Sensing

Leslie Miller, Glen S. Uehara, Andreas Spanias

This paper presents algorithms, simulations, and results using machine learning and quantum image fusion algorithms for radar and remote sensing applications. Previous efforts in the classification of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images using quantum machine learning provided encouraging results but, nevertheless modest accuracy. In this paper, we propose a novel quantum image fusion technique used for identifying and classifying objects obtained from C-band SAR and optical images. More specifically, we design a four-qubit quantum circuit to process the SAR image dataset. This method enhances the spectral details otherwise not seen when using the raw SAR dataset. In addition to the quantum circuit, we design deep neural networks (NN) to improve classification results. The Visual Geometry Group 16 (VGG16), a convolutional neural network that is sixteen layers deep, is customized and used for classification. The merit of quantum fusion as well as the promising results in improving the overall system and the potential of lowering size, weight, power, and cost (SWaP-C) is described.

IEEE Aerospace Conference (AERO)•Mar 2, 2024•12 citations

Quantum Machine Learning: A Topological Mapping Approach

Jincheng Zhang

Quantum Machine Learning (QML) is a rapidly evolving field that combines the principles of quantum mechanics with machine learning algorithms. This paper explores the potential of QML to revolutionize data processing and feature extraction, particularly in the context of complex high-dimensional data. We propose a novel approach centered around the development of a quantum-enhanced topological mapping technique. This technique leverages the unique capabilities of quantum machine learning, specifically quantum algorithms, to automatically map data and extract meaningful features. Quantum mechanics offers potential advantages in representing and manipulating information in a fundamentally different way than classical systems, potentially leading to more efficient and insightful data processing. The core focus of this work is to demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of this approach through a detailed theoretical analysis and preliminary experimental validation. We will investigate the potential benefits of this method in various applications, including data analysis and pattern recognition. This paper will also address the challenges and future directions for this rapidly developing area.

•Sep 4, 2026•0 citations

Urban Land Cover Classification with Efficient Hybrid Quantum Machine Learning Model

Fan Fan, Yilei Shi, Xiao Xiang Zhu

Urban land cover classification aims to derive crucial information from earth observation data and categorize it into specific land uses. To achieve accurate classification, sophisticated machine learning models trained with large earth observation data are employed, but the required computation power has become a bottleneck. Quantum computing might tackle this challenge in the future. However, representing images into quantum states for analysis with quantum computing is challenging due to the high demand for quantum resources. To tackle this challenge, we propose a hybrid quantum neural network that can effectively represent and classify remote sensing imagery with reduced quantum resources. Our model was evaluated on the Local Climate Zone (LCZ)-based land cover classification task using the TensorFlow Quantum platform, and the experimental results indicate its validity for accurate urban land cover classification.

IEEE Congress on Evolutionary Computation (CEC)•Jun 30, 2024•1 citation
Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data, characterised by its high-dimensionality and complex spatial correlations, poses significant challenges in terms of efficient processing and meaningful interpretation. Classical algorithms, while effective, often struggle with the sheer volume and intricacy of the data. This paper introduces a novel approach employing tensor quantum machine learning (QML) to tackle the intricacies of SAR data. By harnessing the computational advantages of quantum mechanics and the representational efficiency of tensor networks, we try to achieve enhanced feature extraction and pattern recognition. We look at various Tensor decomposition schemes to reduce data dimensionality as well as Tensor based quantum circuits to perform land-cover classification. Preliminary results, based on simulations, demonstrate the potential of our tensor QML framework. For the scope of this research so far, we worked with simulated amplitude and phase data, but we will be applying the same for real world data in the future. This interdisciplinary study not only opens avenues for improved SAR data analysis but also enriches the burgeoning field of quantum machine learning by highlighting its applicability in remote sensing domains.
Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imaging is crucial in remote sensing due to its ability to produce high-resolution images regardless of weather conditions or daylight. However, SAR images often suffer from various types of noise, especially speckle noise, which degrades image quality and complicates data analysis. Traditional noise reduction techniques face challenges in balancing noise suppression with the preservation of image details. Recent deep learning approaches, such as U-Net architectures, have made strides in addressing these issues. Simultaneously, quantum computing has emerged as a promising field that can potentially enhance computational methods in image processing. We propose a hybrid classical-quantum U-Net framework that integrates quantum-classical algorithms with tensor networks for improved noise reduction in SAR images. Leveraging the representational capacity of tensor networks and the computational strengths of quantum algorithms, our method aims to surpass the limitations of classical techniques in managing complex noise patterns. In our architecture, certain layers of the U-Net are implemented using quantum circuits specifically optimized for noise suppression. The inclusion of tensor networks enables efficient handling of high-dimensional data within the hybrid model. The idea is to perform extensive experiments on standard SAR datasets to demonstrate that our hybrid U-Net outperforms traditional denoising methods and purely classical deep learning models in both noise reduction and detail preservation. Quantitative assessments using metrics like Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio (PSNR) and Structural Similarity Index (SSIM) would be used for comparison. Moreover, we will evaluate the computational efficiency of our approach, underscoring the potential of quantum computing to expedite complex image processing tasks. This work aims to highlight the feasibility and benefits of integrating quantum computing into practical remote sensing applications. Our hybrid quantum-classical U-Net architecture with tensor networks paves the way for advanced noise reduction techniques in SAR imaging and potentially other domains. Future research will focus on optimizing quantum circuit designs for specific noise types and exploring the scalability of our approach alongside advancements in quantum hardware.
The field of quantum computing, especially quantum machine learning (QML), has been the subject of much research in recent years. Leveraging the quantum properties of superposition and entanglement promises exponential decrease in computation costs. With the promises of increased speed and accuracy in the quantum paradigm, many classical machine learning algorithms have been adapted to run on quantum computers, typically using a quantum-classical hybrid model. While some work has been done to compare classical and quantum classification algorithms in the Electro-Optical (EO) image domain, this paper will compare the performance of classical and quantum-hybrid classification algorithms in their applications on Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data using the MSTAR dataset. We find that there is no significant difference in classification performance when training with quantum algorithms in ideal simulators as compared to their classical counterparts. However, the true performance benefits will become more apparent as the hardware matures.
Remote sensing imagery classification remains a formidable challenge, primarily attributed to the high dimensionality and complexity inherent in the data. While deep learning has demonstrated efficacy in this domain, its computational demands and reliance on extensive training data pose significant hurdles. This research investigates how quantum computing could be able to overcome these constraints and improve deep learning’s capacity for classifying remote sensing data. The study provides an extensive review of recent developments in quantum deep learning techniques specifically tailored for remote sensing applications. Various quantum algorithms designed for image feature extraction and classification are discussed, shedding light on their potential to revolutionize the field. As a practical demonstration, the chapter presents a case study focused on leveraging quantum deep learning for land cover classification using Sentinel-2 imagery. This chapter’s main focus is on hybrid quantum convolutional neural networks (QCNNs) based on circuits as effective tools for remote sensing picture classification. These hybrid models integrate quantum layers within traditional neural networks, introducing a novel paradigm for image analysis. To evaluate the efficacy of this approach, the proposed QCNN architecture is applied to land-use and land-cover classification, employing the Euro SAT dataset as a benchmark.
This paper presents algorithms, simulations, and results using machine learning and quantum image fusion algorithms for radar and remote sensing applications. Previous efforts in the classification of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images using quantum machine learning provided encouraging results but, nevertheless modest accuracy. In this paper, we propose a novel quantum image fusion technique used for identifying and classifying objects obtained from C-band SAR and optical images. More specifically, we design a four-qubit quantum circuit to process the SAR image dataset. This method enhances the spectral details otherwise not seen when using the raw SAR dataset. In addition to the quantum circuit, we design deep neural networks (NN) to improve classification results. The Visual Geometry Group 16 (VGG16), a convolutional neural network that is sixteen layers deep, is customized and used for classification. The merit of quantum fusion as well as the promising results in improving the overall system and the potential of lowering size, weight, power, and cost (SWaP-C) is described.
Quantum Machine Learning (QML) is a rapidly evolving field that combines the principles of quantum mechanics with machine learning algorithms. This paper explores the potential of QML to revolutionize data processing and feature extraction, particularly in the context of complex high-dimensional data. We propose a novel approach centered around the development of a quantum-enhanced topological mapping technique. This technique leverages the unique capabilities of quantum machine learning, specifically quantum algorithms, to automatically map data and extract meaningful features. Quantum mechanics offers potential advantages in representing and manipulating information in a fundamentally different way than classical systems, potentially leading to more efficient and insightful data processing. The core focus of this work is to demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of this approach through a detailed theoretical analysis and preliminary experimental validation. We will investigate the potential benefits of this method in various applications, including data analysis and pattern recognition. This paper will also address the challenges and future directions for this rapidly developing area.
Urban land cover classification aims to derive crucial information from earth observation data and categorize it into specific land uses. To achieve accurate classification, sophisticated machine learning models trained with large earth observation data are employed, but the required computation power has become a bottleneck. Quantum computing might tackle this challenge in the future. However, representing images into quantum states for analysis with quantum computing is challenging due to the high demand for quantum resources. To tackle this challenge, we propose a hybrid quantum neural network that can effectively represent and classify remote sensing imagery with reduced quantum resources. Our model was evaluated on the Local Climate Zone (LCZ)-based land cover classification task using the TensorFlow Quantum platform, and the experimental results indicate its validity for accurate urban land cover classification.