Antenna and Array Technologies for Future Wireless Ecosystems

Chapter 12Quantum Antenna Arrays

Iñigo Liberal¹ and Richard W. Ziolkowski²

¹Department of Electrical, Electronic and Communications Engineering, Institute of Smart Cities (ISC), Public University of Navarre (UPNA), Pamplona, Spain

²Global Big Data Technologies Centre, School of Electrical and Data Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, New South Wales, Australia

12.1 The Rise of Quantum Technologies

Quantum technologies are defined by their ability to harness quantum mechanical effects in order to achieve performances that cannot be attained within the boundaries of classical physics. In doing so, quantum technologies hold the promise to revolutionize communication, sensing, simulation and computing technologies, thus bringing transformative advances to science, industry and society [1]. Photonic quantum technologies, for which light acts a fundamental resource, are arguably the major driving force in promoting basic quantum technologies to commercial systems. For example, quantum key distribution (QKD) is the most promising example of a commercial quantum communication system [2]. QKD enables a secure channel with the guarantee that interceptions in the communication can be detected, an invaluable property to distribute cryptographic keys. By using optical links, several companies currently offer commercial QKD systems [3–5], and satellite QKD communications have been demonstrated by state‐driven enterprises [6]. Similarly, quantum sensing takes advantage of ...