Quantum-LiDAR: What happens when quantum physics meets 3D sensing?
What is Quantum-LiDAR?
Classical LiDAR measures distance via light travel times: a laser emits short pulses , reflected light returns, and distance is calculated from the round-trip time . Quantum-LiDAR extends this approach by using quantum-mechanical properties of light — such as non-classical states, entanglement, or temporal photon correlations. The goal is to filter weak return signals more reliably from background noise, or to extract better distance information from very few photons.
Where do classical LiDAR systems reach their limits?
The challenge arises where the signal becomes extremely weak: at long distances, dark surfaces, rain, fog , and scattering losses . Silicon detectors at 905–945 nm also hit eye-safety limits that constrain usable laser power and therefore range. 1550 nm systems permit higher eye-safe power levels, but require more sensitive detectors .
How does Quantum-LiDAR use quantum-mechanical properties?
Quantum-LiDAR exploits correlation properties of photons to distinguish signal from background. Instead of only asking "Did light return, and when?", it also checks whether the returned photon carries the expected quantum-mechanical properties . This is particularly valuable when there is significant background light, or when the signal is so weak that classical systems hit statistical limits .
What are the practical hurdles?
Quantum-LiDAR will not replace classical LiDAR in the mass market in the near term. Many quantum-optical concepts are experimentally demanding and require elaborate photon sources , highly sensitive single-photon detectors , precise timing , and fast readout electronics . The decisive question is whether laboratory physics can become a deployable sensor system.
How does this connect to our work?
Between classical and quantum-enhanced LiDAR lies an important bridge technology : single-photon detection in the SWIR range . When detectors can measure individual photons at 1550 nm with high time resolution , the faintest return signals can be captured — regardless of whether a system is strictly "quantum" yet or initially operates as an extremely sensitive photon-counting system. This is precisely where we focus .
What does this mean for the future of 3D sensing?
For us, Quantum-LiDAR is not a sudden technology leap but a development pathway — and with our detector platform we connect both worlds . At one end stands classical LiDAR with better detectors , in the middle are photon-counting systems , at the other end are quantum-enhanced protocols . By developing better single-photon detectors, integrated readout and SWIR compatibility today, we are building the infrastructure today on which both highly sensitive classical and future Quantum-LiDAR can be built tomorrow.
Universität Stuttgart – Institut für Halbleitertechnik
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