Quantum receiver capable of detecting full spectrum of radio waves
A quantum sensor has been developed that can analyse the full spectrum of radio frequencies, which could enable new options for military communication.
Dubbed the ‘Rydberg sensor’, it uses laser beams to create highly excited Rydberg atoms directly above a microwave circuit, to boost and hone in on the portion of the spectrum being measured. The Rydberg atoms are sensitive to the circuit’s voltage, enabling the device to be used as a sensitive probe for the wide range of signals in the RF spectrum.
“All previous demonstrations of Rydberg atomic sensors have only been able to sense small and specific regions of the RF spectrum, but our sensor now operates continuously over a wide frequency range for the first time,” said researcher Dr Kevin Cox.
“This is a really important step toward proving that quantum sensors can provide a new and dominant set of capabilities for our soldiers, who are operating in an increasingly complex electro-magnetic battlespace.”
The Rydberg spectrum analyser has the potential to surpass fundamental limitations of traditional electronics in sensitivity, bandwidth and frequency range, the researchers said.
This could allow it to unlock a new frontier of army sensors for spectrum awareness; electronic warfare; sensing and communications, as part of the Army’s modernisation strategy.
“Devices that are based on quantum constituents are one of the army’s top priorities to enable technical surprise in the competitive future battlespace,” said army researcher Dr David Meyer.
“Quantum sensors in general, including the one demonstrated here, offer unparalleled sensitivity and accuracy to detect a wide range of mission-critical signals.”
The researchers plan additional development to improve the signal sensitivity of the Rydberg spectrum analyser, aiming to outperform existing state-of-the-art technology.
“Significant physics and engineering effort is still necessary before the Rydberg analyser can integrate into a field-testable device,” Cox said.
“One of the first steps will be understanding how to retain and improve the device’s performance as the sensor size is decreased. The Army has emerged as a leading developer of Rydberg sensors and we expect more cutting-edge research to result as this futuristic technology concept quickly becomes a reality.”
