We develop a general mathematical formalism and computational method suitable for analyzing the performance of quantum communication systems utilizing coherent radiation states (Schrodinger states). The key motivation is to demonstrate how the analysis and design of quantum communication systems may benefit from the integration of the physical structure (here, the optical quantum coherent state) with the quantum signal processing aspects (here, quantum estimation and prediction theory). As an application, we show how the quantum-electromagnetic signature of optical radiation emitted by quantum antennas, the Schrodinger's coherent state structure, may be exploited to jointly design the transmitter and receiver of a K-ary digital communication link. We present a concrete example comprised of a quantum quadrature-amplitude modulation (QAM) system (with K = 64), including a complete description of the required general design principles developed from quantum mechanics and the quantum antenna's radiated coherent state structure. The simulation results illustrate improvement in spectral efficiency due to the use of K = 64 over smaller values of K. We also compare the quantum antenna-based link performance with classical QAM utilizing classical antenna-based communication systems and report superiority of the quantum link over the classical version. To provide for security protection, our system is equipped with a quantum encryption protocol for quantum key distribution, and a demonstration of the complete quantum QAM system with encryption is presented. The main message of the article is the fruitfulness of incorporating a multidisciplinary approach to our thinking about electromagnetic wireless systems through the joint deployment of electromagnetic, quantum, and communication theories in the design and development process of current and future advanced technologies.
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