Underwater target detection with quantum illumination

Quantum Illumination is a powerful tool for detecting a weakly-reflective target embedded in noise environment. Up to now, all quantum illumination techniques have been investigated in free-space scenario. Thus, it is still an open and interesting question whether quantum illumination could be applied to underwater target detection. Here, by using quantum entanglement generated by spontaneous parametric down conversion and joint quantum measurement of returned signal mode and idler mode, we construct a model of underwater target detection with quantum illumination technique. Further, we apply a set of typical experimental parameter and show that a 10-dB enhancement in the detection of a target embedded in 30-meter water can be observed. This work shows the potential applicability of quantum information technology in future underwater target detection.