Grant: Alliance Grants

The advent of single-photon detectors and the ability to control the time-stamped release of photons implies that non-classical intensity correlations can be used to sense the environment. Here, building on the preliminary implementations, we propose a fundamental analysis and design of such a quantum sensing platform. Specifically, we propose a synergistic effort to develop both the theory (led by PI, Prof. Adve) and hardware development (led by Prof. Helmy) - the goal is to move beyond table-top experiments to understand the fundamental benefits and limitations of a quantum sensor based on non-classical intensity correlations. We will also work closely with our research partner, Defense Research and Development Canada (DRDC), taking advantage of their laboratory facilities as needed. This proposal envisions a research program that begins with the fundamental signal processing concepts such as signal-to-noise ratio and range resolution to developing new concepts such as the measurement of Doppler (target velocity), leading up to beamforming, clutter measurement and mitigation. These are all essential components of a modern system and must be addressed if quantum radar/lidar is to be useful in an operational setting. The theoretical concepts will be developed in parallel with hardware developments such as novel entanglement states, hyper entanglement, multi-transmitter/receiver capabilities and a system build. A radar sensor is essentially, a signal processing device - as we consider the new paradigm of non-classical sensing, we urgently require a thorough understanding of the new signal processing aspects - while accounting for what is (and is not) possible within practical quantum sensing systems. This proposed research effort will leads to novel, practical, sensors such as range finders and quantum-enhanced imagers. This is, truly, the new frontier of sensing technologies.