THE QUANTUM GENERATION

Henry White, sensing technologist at BAE Systems, talks about how quantum radar takes detection to a whole new level

Can you explain how this new technology works? Every radar uses a clock to measure how long waves take to bounce off an object and come back to the antenna. The time delay tells you how far away an object is, so you can also tell how quickly it’s moving while you track it. If you can make the clock more accurate, then you can begin to actually detect the shape of an object and work out exactly what it is. We’re currently researching how to insert a quantum clock into radar, which is about a thousand times more accurate than the clocks we use now. These clocks aren’t ready yet, but we’re doing the groundwork now to use them when they are.

What can quantum radar do that traditional radar can’t?

It’ll be able to detect more objects, in more detail, at greater range. While now you might only be able to detect a bird, with quantum radar we think you’ll be able to tell the species of bird and how many are in the flock. It should be able to tell you the make and model of a drone, which is really useful data if you’re running an airport, for instance.

What do you envisage it being used for?

For the military, you should be able to identify friend or foe at much greater distances, as well as the type of physical weapons they’re carrying. Being able to do this at greater range will affect how fast or stealthy you might want to design a plane. You could see civilian users, such as air traffic control, using this radar to monitor drones, which can be a real threat to them. Ultimately, it’s about being able to see more clearly and give people an information advantage over potential enemies.