The accurate radio frequency (RF) ranging and localizing of objects has benefited the researches including autonomous driving, the Internet of Things, and manufacturing. Quantum receivers have been proposed to detect the radio signal with ability that can outperform conventional measurement. As one of the most promising candidates, solid spin shows superior robustness, high spatial resolution and miniaturization. However, challenges arise from the moderate response to a high frequency RF signal. Here, by exploiting the coherent interaction between quantum sensor and RF field, we demonstrate quantum enhanced radio detection and ranging. The RF magnetic sensitivity is improved by three orders to 21 pT/Hz, based on nanoscale quantum sensing and RF focusing. Further enhancing the response of spins to the target's position through multi-photon excitation, a ranging accuracy of 16 μm is realized with a GHz RF signal. The results pave the way for exploring quantum enhanced radar and communications with solid spins.
@article{arxiv.2303.01113,
title = {Quantum enhanced radio detection and ranging with solid spins},
author = {Xiang-Dong Chen and En-Hui Wang and Long-Kun Shan and Shao-Chun Zhang and Ce Feng and Yu Zheng and Yang Dong and Guang-Can Guo and Fang-Wen Sun},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2303.01113},
year = {2023}
}