Quantum lasers so the military can see through the fog

Among the military, in addition to experiments with laser cannons, this type of beam is essential. the LaserLaser It is used for satellite communications, for targeting and target acquisition, for navigation or k lidarlidar. But in case of adverse conditions, such as extreme temperatures or… fogfog, the laser will lose its accuracy. To solve this problem, DARPA funds the research of scientists from…Washington University in St. Louis, in the United States of America. The team is working on a new laser equipped with quantum technology. It will be able to penetrate fog and maintain its performance over long distances. Scientists are currently building a prototype of what they call a “photonic quantum laser.”

The bound photons protect each other

Technology is usedQuantum entanglementQuantum entanglement To collect particles a lighta light And generate a highly focused beam. This laser can thus maintain its accuracy and power over long distances and overcome unfavorable weather conditions. This is not a miracle, because in fact, PhotonsPhotons Which are linked together always suffer effectsAtmosphereAtmosphere. But because they are interlaced, they protect each other so that phase information is systematically preserved.

This type of laser could therefore be useful for some military applications, in particular maintaining secure communications in difficult conditions, or surveillance.