Speaking of sensing in the language of quantum mechanics

John M. Myers

doi:10.1117/12.723412

10 May 2007 Speaking of sensing in the language of quantum mechanics

John M. Myers

Proceedings Volume 6573, Quantum Information and Computation V; 657302 (2007) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.723412
Event: Defense and Security Symposium, 2007, Orlando, Florida, United States

Abstract

Currently there is interest in the possibility of using quantum-mechanically entangled light to enhance the spatial resolution of sensors. Here I review some applications of equations in quantum-mechanical form to the design of sensors and related systems. In order to consider comparing equations against experiments, we will need to distinguish models comprised of mathematical formulas, whether quantum-mechanical or classical, from experiments with devices such as lasers and light detectors. The following sections sketch: * two known ways to connect quantum models to experiments (one statistical-mechanical, the other by way of probabilities); * an approximate way to translate from equations of classical electromagnetism to the quantum language of photons and detection probabilities, concentrating on interferometric effects; * quantum-mechanically suggested possibilities and obstacles for light-based radar (lidar) to enhance positional accuracy and spatial resolution; * a recently proved universal gap between, on one hand, quantum-mechanical models composed of equations and, on the other hand, experiments with devices, with the consequent need and opportunities for a designer to choose models as descriptions of measured behavior.

Citation Download Citation

John M. Myers "Speaking of sensing in the language of quantum mechanics", Proc. SPIE 6573, Quantum Information and Computation V, 657302 (10 May 2007); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.723412

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