Quantum Radar System Using Entangled Photon Correlation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Radar systems are limited by the Rayleigh diffraction limit and require high-intensity signals to distinguish objects from noise, making it difficult to detect low-reflected signals and operate with low probability of intercept (LPI).

Innovation Solution

A radar system utilizing quantum entangled photons, where a nonlinear element introduces entanglement between transmitted and reference photons, allowing for correlation-based differentiation of signal photons from background noise, even with low-intensity interrogating signals, using a radiation transmission unit, collection unit, and processing unit to determine phase relations and filter out noise.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If high-intensity signals are used to improve detection capability, then signal-to-noise ratio is improved, but probability of intercept increases and sensitivity to low-reflected signals is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidprobability of intercept

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of signal generation from classical high-intensity radiation to quantum entangled photon pairs. By utilizing the quantum property of entanglement between signal and reference photons, the system achieves high detection precision through correlation measurement while maintaining low signal intensity, thereby reducing probability of intercept without sacrificing detection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If high-intensity signals are used to overcome noise, then detection capability is improved, but ability to detect low-reflected signals is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoiddetection of low-reflected signals

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces reference photons as an intermediary element. These reference photons, entangled with signal photons, serve as a quantum marker that allows the detection system to distinguish reflected signal photons from noise through correlation measurement. This intermediary enables reliable detection of low-reflected signals without requiring high signal intensity that would mask weak reflections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If quantum entangled photons are used to improve signal-to-noise ratio, then detection sensitivity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal-to-noise ratioVSAvoidnonlinear element and photon correlation system

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces classical mechanical signal processing systems with quantum optical processes. Instead of using complex classical filtering and signal enhancement mechanisms, the system utilizes quantum entanglement and correlation measurement to achieve high signal-to-noise ratio. The nonlinear crystal performs automatic quantum state correlation, substituting complex classical processing with elegant quantum mechanical behavior.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enhances signal-to-noise ratio and enables detection of low-reflected signals with low-intensity interrogating signals, improving radar sensitivity and resolution by correlating phase distributions between entangled photons, effectively differentiating signal photons from noise.

Implementation Method 1

The at least one nonlinear element may be configured to provide down conversion of the radiation, for example utilize spontaneous parametric down conversation (SPDC)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpontaneous parametric down conversion:

Implementation Method 2

the radiation collection unit may utilize one or more single photon detectors (SPDS) positioned and arranged to collect and detect radiation arriving from the inspected region

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20240302491A1Radar system and method

Publication Date: 2024.09.12 ELTA SYST LTD

AI summary

A radar system is described. The system comprises a radiation transmission unit, a radiation collection unit, and a processing unit. The radiation transmission unit is configured to generate electromagnetic radiation formed by a plurality of quantum entangled photons comprising first transmitted photon (signal) and second reference photon (idler). The radiation transmission unit transmits the first transmitted photons toward a region to be inspected and measures the second reference photons to obtain and store measured data thereof. The radiation collection unit comprises at least one radiation collection element configured to receive photons reflected from one or more objects in said region and generate data indicative of one or more parameters of the collected photons. The processing unit is configured to receive stored measured data on the second reference photons and data on parameters of the collected photons from the radiation collection unit, and to determine correlation between the stored measured data and the collected photons to thereby differentiate between noise collected photons and reflection of said first transmitted photons from one or more objects in the region to be inspected.