Quantum-Assisted Telescope Arrays

TL;DR

This paper explores advanced quantum network protocols for astronomical interferometry, enabling broadband imaging, multi-site arrays, and improved signal quality through quantum Fourier transform, with discussions on practical implementation methods.

Contribution

It extends previous quantum interferometry schemes to broadband, multi-site configurations, and analyzes enhanced imaging techniques and physical realizations.

Findings

Quantum networks enable imaging faint stellar objects.

The scheme can operate as a broadband interferometer.

Quantum Fourier transform improves signal-to-noise ratio.

Abstract

Quantum networks provide a platform for astronomical interferometers capable of imaging faint stellar objects. In a recent work [arXiv:1809.01659], we presented a protocol that circumvents transmission losses with efficient use of quantum resources and modest quantum memories. Here we analyze a number of extensions to that scheme. We show that it can be operated as a truly broadband interferometer and generalized to multiple sites in the array. We also analyze how imaging based on the quantum Fourier transform provides improved signal-to-noise ratio compared to classical processing. Finally, we discuss physical realizations including photon-detection-based quantum state transfer.