On the Potential for Quantum Enhancements in Coherent Laser Radar Performance

摘要

Over the past several years LM has developed several programs in quantum enhancements to remote sensing technologies, focusing mostly on improved spatial resolution, improved statistical averaging, and nonclassical coherent detection. The primary vision of this research has been in improving traditional remote sensing performance metrics. In these quantum sensor protocols, nonclassical states of light considered for mitigation of deleterious effects such as absorption and scattering, to reduce the detection noise characteristics below the shot-noise limit, or various combinations thereof. Quantum enhanced coherent laser radar protocols represent a daunting challenge due to the significant sources of loss and decoherence in the natural operating environments of such systems. Nonetheless, numerous recent advances in the fields of quantum information sciences, quantum metrology, and quantum control of systems have significantly augmented our understanding of the required component technologies, and have paved the way for the present investigation.