Retrieving Quantum Backscattered Signals in the Presence of Noise

Abstract

Quantum sensing based on entangled photon pairs is gradually establishing itself as a cornerstone in modern communication networks. The unrivalled capability of quantum sensing techniques in distilling signals plagued by noise, renders them suitable for deployment in backscatter communication networks. Several attempts have been made recently to utilize pairs of entangled signal-idler photons, to enhance the sensitivity of photo-detection in backscatter networks. However, these efforts have always assumed the lossless retention of the idler mode, which is a challenging task from a practical perspective. In this study we examine the extent to which quantum correlations remain after retaining the idler mode in a lossy memory element, while the signal photon propagates through a lossy thermal channel as usual. We also examine briefly two different detection methods, and estimate the received signal-to-noise ratio for them both. This new proposed model is one step further towards realizing quantum backscatter communication.