Thresholded quantum LIDAR in turbolent media

TL;DR

This paper extends quantum LIDAR techniques to turbulent media, demonstrating that even with imperfect detectors, effective detection is achievable in low-photon scenarios.

Contribution

It introduces a method to adapt quantum LIDAR for turbulent environments, accounting for detector imperfections, enhancing practical applicability.

Findings

Quantum LIDAR performance is resilient to turbulence effects.

Imperfect detectors still enable useful detection schemes.

The method improves signal-to-noise ratio in low-photon conditions.

Abstract

Light detection and ranging is a key technology for a number of applications, from relatively simple distance ranging to environmental monitoring. When dealing with low photon numbers an important issue is the improvement of the signal- to-noise-ratio, which is severely affected by external sources whose emission is captured by the detection apparatus. In this paper, we present an extension of the technique developed in [Phys. Rev. Lett. 123, 203601] to the effects caused by the propagation of light through a turbulent media, as well as the detection through photon counting devices bearing imperfections in terms of efficiency and number resolution. Our results indicate that even less performing technology can result in a useful detection scheme.