Quantum-enhanced angle-of-arrival pre-estimation of radio-frequency signals

Abstract

Quantum metrology with quantum effects, gives remarkable possibility to increase the precision of estimated parameter. Here, we demonstrate a quantum-enhanced angle-of-arrival pre-estimation protocol, which conduces to predict a target orientation for modern phased-array radar and sonar systems. Taking edge sensor as reference, we estimate the first, second, and third derivatives of radio-frequency (RF) phase via only four-sensor network arranged in linear topology. Combining the quantum technology with high-order derivatives, the receiving angle-of-arrival at arbitrary sensor can be pre-estimated with enhanced sensitivity of nearly 49.5%.