A Flexible Testbed for Quantum-limited Sensing
Abstract
Quantum-limited sensing has broad applications in astronomy, communication, and target detection. Optical sensing using traditional techniques such as direct detection or coherent detection is insufficient to extract the maximum amount of information from an optical signal. Hence, the performance of these receivers is severely limited when then are used in a photon starved regime - where the optical signal is very weak. The limitations of an optical receiver that uses conventional detection methods can be overcome by developing new receiver architectures that leverages the power of quantum mechanics. In this DURIP proposal, we are requesting instruments to develop new receiver architectures that aims to achieve the fundamental limit of detection Ð the quantum limit. In our recent work, we demonstrated a receiver architecture that approaches the quantum limit of discriminating between a classical state (light from a laser) and thermal state (light from sun or incandescent bulbs) in a photon starved regime. We used our current quantum-limited sensing (QLS) testbed to generate coherent and thermal states at 780 nm and detect them using single photon detectors. However, we lack some critical instruments that would tremendously improve our capabilities to study several other important problems in quantum-limited sensing. Solving these challenging problems requires the preparation of classical states of light with arbitrary temporal mode configurations, preparation of non-classical states of light such as light from an entanglement source, and detection of non-classical states of light at 1560 nm. Although, our current capabilities allow us to prepare non-classical states of light, we need InGaAs avalanche photodiodes and electro-optic modulators to detect single photons at 1560 nm and prepare arbitrary temporal mode configurations, respectively. Therefore, in this DURIP proposal, we specifically request funds for the purchase of the most critical instruments such as the InGaAs avalanche photodiodes, electro-optic modulators, and frequency counters which would complement our current QLS testbed. The successful award of this proposal would provide us the capability to achieve the following tasks, I. Demonstration of quantum optimal receivers to achieve the fundamental limit in measurement precision, the quantum fisher information (QFI) bound for both classical and non-classical states (entangled photons), II. Target detection using non-classical states of light by employing quantum illumination protocol to prevent ÒspoofingÓ while detecting targets, III. Provide critical skills and training to undergraduate and graduate students, thereby preparing the next generation quantum workforce for academia and industry.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jun 25, 2021
- Source ID
- W911NF2110074
Entities
People
- Arunkumar Jagannathan
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- United States Army
- University of Southern California