New quantum receiver, the first to detect the entire radio frequency spectrum

A new quantum sensor can analyze the entire radio frequency spectrum and signals from the real world, unlocking new potentials for soldier communications, spectrum awareness and electronic warfare.

Army researchers built the quantum sensor, which can sample the radio frequency spectrum – from zero to 20 GHz – and detect AM and FM radio, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and other communication signals.

The Rydberg sensor uses laser beams to create highly excited Rydberg atoms directly above a microwave circuit, to increase and enhance the part of the spectrum being measured. Rydberg atoms are sensitive to the circuit voltage, allowing the device to be used as a sensitive probe for a wide range of signals in the RF spectrum.

“All previous demonstrations of Rydberg atomic sensors were only able to detect small, specific regions of the RF spectrum, but our sensor now operates continuously over a wide frequency range for the first time,” said Dr. Kevin Cox, researcher at Command US Army Combat Capability Development Program, now known as DEVCOM, the Army Research Laboratory. “This is a really important step to prove that quantum sensors can provide a new and dominant set of capabilities for our soldiers, who are operating in an increasingly complex electromagnetic battlefield.”

The Rydberg spectrum analyzer has the potential to overcome the fundamental limitations of traditional electronics in sensitivity, bandwidth and frequency range. Because of this, the laboratory’s Rydberg spectrum analyzer and other quantum sensors have the potential to open up a new frontier of Army sensors for spectrum awareness, electronic warfare, detection and communications – part of the Army’s modernization strategy.

“Devices based on quantum constituents are one of the Army’s top priorities for allowing technical surprise in the competitive battle space of the future,” said Army researcher Dr. David Meyer. “Quantum sensors in general, including the one demonstrated here, offer unmatched sensitivity and accuracy to detect a wide range of mission-critical signals.”

The peer-reviewed newspaper Applied Physical Review published the researchers’ findings, a Rydberg spectrum analyzer coupled to Waveguide from 0 to 20 GigaHerz, co-authored by researchers from the Army drs. David Meyer, Paul Kunz and Kevin Cox

The researchers are planning further development to improve the signal sensitivity of the Rydberg spectrum analyzer, with the aim of overcoming existing cutting-edge technology.

“A significant effort in physics and engineering is still needed before the Rydberg analyzer can be integrated into a field-testable device,” said Cox. “One of the first steps will be to understand how to retain and improve the performance of the device according to the size of the sensor. is reduced. The Army has emerged as a leading developer of Rydberg sensors and we hope that more cutting edge research results from this futuristic technology concept quickly becomes a reality. ”