Quantum entanglement is weird. It’s spooky action at a distance as Einstein put it. And if we can understand it the implications could be huge as it would enable us to develop quantum computers among other new technologies. Such as a new kind of radar that uses entangled photons to detect nearby objects while hiding behind background noise.
As Technology Review puts it:
“One of the advantages of the quantum revolution is the ability to sense the world in a new way. The general idea is to use the special properties of quantum mechanics to make measurements or produce images that are otherwise impossible.
Much of this work is done with photons. But as far as the electromagnetic spectrum is concerned, the quantum revolution has been a little one-sided. Almost all the advances in quantum computing, cryptography, teleportation, and so on have involved visible or near-visible light.
Today that changes thanks to the work of Shabir Barzanjeh at the Institute of Science and Technology Austria and a few colleagues. This team has used entangled microwaves to create the world’s first quantum radar. Their device, which can detect objects at a distance using only a few photons, raises the prospect of stealthy radar systems that emit little detectable electromagnetic radiation.”
It also raises the prospect of something else with far reaching implications: other quantum based technologies with the ability to revolutionize society!
Is Quantum Radar the Greatest Idea Ever?
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