New quantum receiver the first to detect entire radio frequency spectrum army.mil

A new quantum sensor can analyze the full spectrum of radiofrequency and real-world signals, sampling the radio-frequency spectrum—from zero frequency up to 20 GHz—and detect AM and FM radio, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and other communication signals. All previous demonstrations of Rydberg atomic sensors have only been able to sense small and specific regions of the RF spectrum.

The Rydberg sensor 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.

Devices that are based on quantum constituents are one of the Army’s top priorities to enable technical surprise in the competitive future battlespace. Quantum sensors in general offer unparalleled sensitivity and accuracy to detect a wide range of mission-critical signals.

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