China has reportedly started the mass production of a photon detector that can help build quantum radars to track advanced stealth fighters like the F-22 Raptor jet.
Beijing claims that it is the “world’s first” ultra-low noise, single-photon detector with four channels, and its use can extend from communication to defense.
The photon catcher, according to a report by the South China Morning Post (SCMP), is capable of detecting even a single particle of the unit of energy.
The device built by the Quantum Information Engineering Technology Research Center in Anhui province could prove detrimental for stealth jets
Sensitive photon detector
The photon catcher is described as an ultra-sensitive device that can even detect individual photons. The SCMP report states that its mass production will allow Beijing to attain self-sufficiency in developing key components for quantum information technology.
When humans view an object, there are countless photons that enter the eye together to form one image. Separating a single photon has been described as a feat equivalent to differentiating between the sound of a single grain of sand falling while heavy rains and lightning strikes occur.
The ability to detect even a single photon is a rare one, and it will lead to even the tiniest signals being detected and tracked. This is a core component of quantum communication and radar technology.
Quantum radars can detect stealth jets, as per claims
Most stealth jets in use today, like the F-22 or F-35 fighters from the US, rely on special external coating and internal weapons bay, among other changes in plane design, to absorb or deflect the signals sent out by traditional radars.
While stealth jets have various tricks to evade traditional radars with some success, the quantum radars might prove to be a game changer in the long run. They send out photons whose quantum properties changes once they hit the stealth aircraft.
This means that even the false signals generated by the aircraft would not be able to match the properties of the photons emitted by quantum radars.
Once the single unit photons reach the radar after hitting the stealth aircraft, they are studied, thereby revealing the position of the stealth jets.
Moreover, it is also claimed that the quantum radars will consume less power and can be deployed easily on many types of platforms. It also promises to improve detection of low-visibility targets.
Years ago, China had developed a quantum radar system with a detection range of approximately 62 miles (100 kilometers). The new four-channel single photon detector can enhance its capabilities, leading to detection from as many light sources or different parts of the source as possible.
In the world of radar detection, it improves the simultaneous detection and tracking ability and also greatly boosts the imaging rate. The system will also run on and emit less energy than traditional radar systems, making it difficult to detect.
China claims that the new four-channel detector is only one-ninth the size of the other single-channel products available in the world.
Going forward, the scientists plan to provide homegrown solutions for quantum communication networks and more.
The details about the photon catcher are available in the Science and Technology Daily, which is published by China’s Ministry of Science and Technology.
Advanced jets with enhanced capabilities
The US has recently given the go-ahead for the Navy’s sixth-generation fighter jet with enhanced capabilities, as per a report by Reuters. The US Air Force also hopes to get its first sixth-generation F-47 up in the air by 2028. Boeing has already started working on the jet.
Countries around the globe are planning to build faster, bigger, and more stealthy jets which can carry out operations undetected. Therefore, this quantum radar advancement claim by China can raise the worry for US and its allies which are developing the sixth-generation jets for air dominance.
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