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

A new quantum sensor can analyze the full spectrum of radio frequency and real-time signals, thus unleashing new potential for soldier communication, spectrum awareness and electronic warfare.

Army researchers have built the quantum sensor, which can sample the radio frequency spectrum – from zero frequency 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 orbit, to amplify and enhance the portion of the spectrum being measured. The Rydberg atoms are sensitive to the voltage of the circuit, which makes it possible to use the device as a sensitive probe for the wide range of signals in the RF spectrum.

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

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

“Quantum-based devices are one of the Army’s top priorities for enabling technical surprise in the competing future battlefield,” said Dr. “Quantum sensors in general, including the one shown here, offer unmatched sensitivity and accuracy to detect a wide range of mission-critical signals.”

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

The researchers plan additional development to improve the signal sensitivity of the Rydberg Spectrum Analyzer, with the aim of outperforming the latest technology.

A significant effort in physics and engineering is still needed before the Rydberg analyst can integrate into a field-testable device, ‘Cox said. “One of the first steps is to understand how to maintain and improve the performance of the device as the sensor size decreases. The military has emerged as a leading developer of Rydberg sensors, and we expect more futuristic research will lead as a result of this futuristic technology. concept is fast becoming a reality. ”