Longer-Baseline Telescopes Using Quantum Repeaters

TL;DR

This paper proposes using quantum repeaters to extend the baseline length of interferometric telescopes, potentially overcoming current resolution limits caused by noise and photon loss.

Contribution

It introduces a novel approach integrating quantum information techniques, specifically quantum repeaters, to significantly enhance telescope baseline lengths and resolution.

Findings

Quantum repeaters can theoretically enable arbitrarily long telescope baselines.

The approach addresses current noise and photon loss issues in optical interferometry.

Potential for unprecedented resolution in astronomical observations.

Abstract

We present an approach to building interferometric telescopes using ideas of quantum information. Current optical interferometers have limited baseline lengths, and thus limited resolution, because of noise and loss of signal due to the transmission of photons between the telescopes. The technology of quantum repeaters has the potential to eliminate this limit, allowing in principle interferometers with arbitrarily long baselines.