Configuration-Dependent Characteristics of Virtual-Mode Quantum Sensing Systems

Abstract

Previous works have examined the use of a distributed network of quantum illumination and sensing nodes to augment the available number of distinguishable modes with an additional set of virtual modes. It has been shown that this approach in theory can be applied to achieve a required level of target detection performance within the constraints imposed by the limited rate at which entangled microwave photons can be generated. In this paper we examine how this performance is impacted by the spatial geometry of the network of nodes with respect to the target's range and cross section.