Quantum and classical metrology for noise radar

Doctoral thesis, 2024

We are in an era of rapid advancements in quantum technology, exploring the potential of exploiting quantum phenomena for technological solutions across a wide range of applications. Quantum technologies show promise in areas such as computing, optimisation, communication, sensing, and more. Among these emerging quantum technologies, sensing has perhaps reached the highest level of maturity, with practical applications already available. Quantum radar, a concept from quantum sensing, has garnered significant attention within the radar community, due to the potential of enhancing detection sensitivity compared to classical radar.

This thesis and the appended papers explore measurement protocols for radar-like scenarios. The research spans across two areas, from the classical world to the quantum domain. On the quantum side, the viability and practicality of quantum-enhanced radar is investigated, shedding light on the origin of its potential advantages and the challenges of its realisation. Furthermore, using the tools of quantum metrology, optimal probes for radar-like parameter estimation tasks are established. On the classical side, the development and implementation of an experimental bistatic noise radar system is detailed in terms of a series of signal processing methods.