Enhancement in the mean square range delay accuracy by means of multiple entangled photon states quantum illumination

Abstract: It has been discussed recently how quantum illumination can be used to increase the accuracy of the value range-delay measurement \cite{Zhuang Shapiro 2022} in the domain of SNR compatible with current radar systems. However, the advantage described in [1] requires of a large integration time. In this work it is argued that multiple entangled photon quantum illumination could help to reduce the integration time when evaluating range-delay. Our analysis is performed in the framework of three entangled photon states discrete quantum illumination protocols. In this setting it is shown explicitly that using a direct generalization of Lloyd's protocol to the case where signal states describe two photons presents interesting advantages: 1. The reduction of the probability of error with respect to Lloyd's quantum illumination, 2. The reduction of the integration time with respect to Lloyd's quantum illumination, 3. The increase in the ultimate in the measurement of the range-delay accuracy.