Propagating quantum microwaves: towards applications in communication and sensing
Mateo Casariego, Emmanuel Zambrini Cruzeiro, Stefano Gherardini, Tasio Gonzalez-Raya, Rui André, Gonçalo Frazão, Giacomo Catto, Mikko Möttönen, Debopam Datta, Klaara Viisanen, Joonas Govenius, Mika Prunnila, Kimmo Tuominen, Maximilian Reichert, Michael Renger, Kirill G. Fedorov, Frank Deppe, Harriet van der Vliet, Allan Matthews, Yolanda Fernández · Quantum Science and Technology · 2023
Abstract The field of propagating quantum microwaves is a relatively new area of research that is receiving increased attention due to its promising technological applications, both in communication and sensing. While formally similar to quantum optics, some key elements required by the aim of having a controllable quantum microwave interface are still on an early stage of development. Here, we argue where and why a fully operative toolbox for propagating quantum microwaves will be needed, pointing to novel directions of research along the way: from microwave quantum key distribution to quantum radar, bath-system learning, or direct dark matter detection. The article therefore functions both as a review of the state-of-the-art, and as an illustration of the wide reach of applications the future of quantum microwaves will open.