Quantum Radar : Oversimplified

A Quantum radar is an active standoff sensor which employs quantum entanglement to enhance target detection capability.  In simple terms entanglement means - lack of independence, in quantum mechanics terms it means - two or more objects are not independent of each other i.e. their quantum state cannot be described independently of other(others). Their observable physics properties are correlated. If the quantum state of one of the entangled objects is changed, it will affect the quantum states of other objects.

3D rendering of a radar tracking VLO targets. The radar using is using multi-beam forming i.e. multiple beams are being formed at the element or sub-array level. Each beam is unrelated and different in frequency. 

How does it work? 

- Quantum states of photons are sustained on an entangled superposition

- Half of the entangled photons are transmitted to the target 

- Other half remain at receiver 

- Correlation between the photons reflected back from the target and the photons kept inside the radar is examined

Result 

1.  An enhanced probability of detection, identification, and resolution of stealth targets. 
2. Quantum radar using entangled photons can provide a quadratic increase of resolution over non-entangled photon. 
3. Increased effective visibility 
4. Entangled photons mean that the system is much more immune to jamming

Possibilities 

1. Theoretically, a quantum radar operating in 9 GHz region ( X-band) is able to enhance target detection even with atmospheric absorption.
2. Supersensitive quantum interferometry feasible up to 300km even with the attenuating effect of the atmosphere. X-band radars are used for fire control role, missile guidance, and surveillance. 

While quantum radar has enhanced sensitivity and immunity to electronic jamming, it maintains inherent advantages of classical/conventional radar, i.e. - 

1. Penetration of cloud and fog 
2. Low absorption and scattering by the environment 

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