Quantum Sensor Signal Processing

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

Sensors (specifically, radars/lidars/imagers) are of fundamental importance. In recent years, quantum information techniques have suggested that substantial gain in sensor performance is possible using quantum mechanical phenomena, such as the quantization of light and quantum entanglement. Most of the research to date has been done from a quantum information perspective. In addition, many of the proposed quantum radar designs are not practically feasible (for example, they may depend on desired advances in underpinning quantum technologies, such as quantum memories, or perhaps the precise detector structure is unknown).  We propose to investigate quantum sensors that are practically realizable. Furthermore, we propose to carry out the research from a signal processing perspective, which would be essential for practical sensor development. This research will play an important role in guiding the development of quantum sensors. Signal processing theory and algorithms will be developed for these novel sensors. The research will guide the development of practical sensors in a wide variety of applications. In particular, the research will have shape the development of substantially improved sensing capability over the state-of-the-art in biomedical imaging, remote vital sign monitoring, and healthcare diagnostic applications. The proposal seeks to accomplish this via three objectives. The first objective is to develop signal processing models for practically realizable quantum sensors. The second objective is to develop quantum sensor performance prediction using statistical detection and estimation theory. Finally, in the third objective, experimental validation of the theoretical work will be completed by collaboration with quantum experimentalists. The impact of this research will be substantial. The theoretical work will enable a rigorous analysis of the practical quantum sensors. It will also shape the research on the quantum side by guiding researchers towards using quantum physics to improve key parameters for improved sensor performance. Use cases in public safety and biomedical engineering will provide suitable guidance for the research. HQPs will gain a deep understanding of sensor signal processing. In addition, they will develop the skills in mathematical modelling, principled approximations for real data analysis, and programming. This well-rounded education will ensure that the skills developed are highly transferable and applicable to many industrial sectors. It is expected that some HQP will go on to form companies developing next-generation quantum sensors for a variety of applications. I have extensive and proven experience in continuously developing advanced sensor signal processing algorithms based on rigorous mathematical modelling, refining them with real sensor data, and leading the real-world implementation effort. The proposed research program will accelerate the development of practical quantum sensors.