Quantum Radar helps detect stealth aircraft

Canadian scientists are developing quantum radar capable of detecting stealth aircraft by quantum magnetic disturbance.

Scientists at the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada, are seeking to replace traditional radar stations with powerful quantum "radars" by applying the basic principles of quantum physics. This could be the key to penetrating the stealth plane's ability to deflect and absorb radio waves.

Quantum radar can detect stealth bombers. Photo: Ethan Miller.

Researchers use a physical phenomenon called "quantum entanglement" or "quantum entanglement , " which involves forming pairs of particles (such as photons) bound together. When a force or effect changes the state of a particle, the grafted particles immediately change, even when they are very large, even up to 100,000 light years. For this to happen, the particles must somehow correlate state faster than the speed of light. Einstein calls this phenomenon "far-fetched ghost action."

"Our project goal is to create powerful pairs of photons tangled at the click of a button," said Jonathan Baugh, an expert at the Institute of Quantum Computing (IQC) at the University of Waterloo. " This project helps us develop a technology that helps bring quantum radar from the laboratory idea to reality, which can change the way we think about national security."

In a quantum radar, the pair of tangled photons will bond together on a distance scale of km instead of light years. First, individual clusters of photons are separated by a crystal to form a pair of tangled photons. A photon will be stored at the radar station, while the remaining photon is transmitted to the sky. When the second photon hits something, such as a stealth bomber, it will be ejected and deflected. The first photon state is also changed, which helps detect the location and speed of the bombers.

Modern stealth aircraft are often equipped with technology that absorbs and reduces the risk of radar reflection. Therefore, the light-based tracking method of quantum radar will be much more effective.