We describe simple quantum lidar and show it provides the best, most rapid identification of high reflectivity nearby targets. For lower reflectivities or more distant targets quantum lidar is impractical so we describe a protocol that mimics the relevant feature of quantum lidar via random intensity modulation of a classical beam. This provides a degree of covertness together with many of the other useful properties of a quantum lidar without the complication of producing quantum states and crucially, without the limit on mean photon number. Hence it is useful for identifying much lower reflectivity targets than is practical with quantum states.
Use of non-classical light in a quantum illumination scheme provides an advantage over classical illumination when used for LIDAR with a simple and realistic detection scheme based on Geiger-mode single photon detectors. Here we provide an analysis that accounts for the additional information gained when detectors do not fire that is typically neglected and show an improvement in performance of quantum illumination. Moreover, we provide a theoretical framework quantifying performance of both quantum and classical illumination for simple target detection, showing parameters for which a quantum advantage exists. Knowledge of the regimes that demonstrate a quantum advantage will inform where possible practical quantum LIDAR utilising non-classical light could be realised.
Access to the requested content is limited to institutions that have purchased or subscribe to SPIE eBooks.
You are receiving this notice because your organization may not have SPIE eBooks access.*
*Shibboleth/Open Athens users─please
sign in
to access your institution's subscriptions.
To obtain this item, you may purchase the complete book in print or electronic format on
SPIE.org.
INSTITUTIONAL Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.
PERSONAL Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.