Thesis Defense: Quantum Remote Sensing and Non-Equilibrium Phase Transitions in the Microwave Regime

This thesis explores advancements in quantum remote sensing and non-equilibrium phase transitions. I will discuss photon blockade breakdown as a dissipative phase transition in a cavity-qubit system, establishing a thermodynamic limit in a driven-dissipative regime. Additionally, I will present the experimental realization of a phase-conjugate receiver for quantum illumination using a Josephson parametric converter, demonstrating its potential for enhanced target detection in noisy environments. These findings advance quantum-enhanced sensing and metrology, providing deeper insights into non-equilibrium quantum dynamics and practical quantum technologies.