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

A new quantum sensor can analyze the full spectrum of radio frequency signals and real-world signals, opening new possibilities for soldier communication, spectrum consciousness 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 amplify and sharpen the portion of the spectrum being measured. The Rydberg atoms are sensitive to the voltage of the circuit, allowing the device to be used as a sensitive probe to the wide range of signals in the RF spectrum.

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

The Rydberg spectrum analyzer has the potential to exceed the fundamental limitations of traditional electronics in sensitivity, bandwidth and frequency response. As a result, the Rydberg spectrum analyzer and other lab quantum sensors have the potential to unlock a new frontier of army sensors for spectrum awareness, electronic warfare, detection and communication – part of the military’s modernization strategy.

“Quantum constituent devices are one of the military’s top priorities to enable technical surprises in the competitive future combat space,” said military researcher Dr. David Meyer. “Quantum sensors in general, including the one demonstrated here, provide unparalleled sensitivity and accuracy to detect a wide variety of mission-critical signals.”

The peer-reviewed journal Physical assessment applied published the findings of the researchers, Waveguide-coupled Rydberg spectrum analyzer from 0 to 20 GigaHerz, co-author of army researchers Drs. David Meyer, Paul Kunz and Kevin Cox

The researchers plan additional development to improve the signal sensitivity of the Rydberg spectrum analyzer, aiming to outperform existing state-of-the-art technology.

“Significant physics and engineering efforts are still required before the Rydberg analyzer can be integrated into a device that can be field tested,” said Cox. “One of the first steps will be to understand how to maintain and improve device performance as sensor size is reduced. The military has emerged as a leading developer of Rydberg sensors and we expect more groundbreaking research. will result if this futuristic technology concept quickly becomes a reality. ”