Rydberg Receivers for Space Applications

• URL: http://arxiv.org/abs/2601.20631v1
• Date: Wed, 28 Jan 2026 14:12:34 GMT
• Title: Rydberg Receivers for Space Applications
• Authors: Gianluca Allinson, Mark Bason, Alexis Bonnin, Sebastian Borówka, Petronilo Martin-Iglesias, Manuel Martin Neira, Mateusz Mazelanik, Richard Murchie, Michał Parniak, Sophio Pataraia, Thibaud Ruelle, Sylvain Schwartz, Aaron Strangfeld,
• Abstract summary: Rydberg-atom sensors convert radiofrequency, microwave and terahertz fields into optical signals with SI-traceable calibration.<n>We identify promising roles in radiometry, radar, terahertz sensing, and in-orbit calibration.<n>Key limitations include shot noise, sparse terahertz transitions, and currently large Size, Weight, Power and Cost.
• Score: 0.0
• License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
• Abstract: Rydberg-atom sensors convert radiofrequency, microwave and terahertz fields into optical signals with SI-traceable calibration, high sensitivity, and broad tunability. This review assesses their potential for space applications by comparing five general architectures (Autler-Townes, AC-Stark, superheterodyne, radiofrequency-to-optical conversion, and fluorescence) against space application needs. We identify promising roles in radiometry, radar, terahertz sensing, and in-orbit calibration, and outline key limitations, including shot noise, sparse terahertz transitions, and currently large Size, Weight, Power and Cost. A staged roadmap highlights which uncertainties should be resolved first and how research organisations, industry and space agencies could take the lead for the different aspects.

Related papers

• New Paradigm for Integrated Sensing and Communication with Rydberg Atomic Receiver [22.978395028911148]
  The RYDberg Atomic Receiver (RYDAR) can theoretically detect indiscernible electric signals below -174 dBm/Hz.<n>The future applications of RYDAR-based ISAC are envisioned, indicating its significant potential for both civilian and military purposes.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2025-06-16T09:45:43Z)
• Rydberg Atomic Quantum Receivers for Multi-Target DOA Estimation [77.32323151235285]
  Rydberg atomic quantum receivers (RAQRs) have emerged as a promising solution to classical wireless communication and sensing.<n>We first conceive a Rydberg atomic quantum uniform linear array (RAQ-ULA) aided wireless receiver for multi-target DOA detection and propose the corresponding signal model of this sensing system.<n>To solve this sensor gain mismatch problem, we propose the Rydberg atomic quantum ESPRIT (RAQ-ESPRIT) relying on our model.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2025-01-06T07:42:23Z)
• Rydberg Atomic Quantum Receivers for Classical Wireless Communication and Sensing [71.94873601156017]
  Rydberg atomic quantum receivers (RAQR) are emerging quantum precision sensing platforms designed for receiving radio frequency (RF) signals.<n>RAQRs realize RF-to-optical conversions based on light-atom interactions.<n>Initial experimental studies have demonstrated their capabilities in classical wireless communications and sensing.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2024-09-22T15:55:02Z)
• An Initial Study of Human-Scale Blockage in sub-THz Radio Propagation with Application to Indoor Passive Localization [0.0]
  The paper empirically investigates the body induced electromagnetic (EM) effects, namely the human body blockage. The proposed analysis focuses on both the alterations of channel frequency response induced by body presence. The proposed study has applications in device-free radio localization and radio frequency (RF) sensing scenarios.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2024-05-15T12:01:05Z)
• Radar Fields: Frequency-Space Neural Scene Representations for FMCW Radar [62.51065633674272]
  We introduce Radar Fields - a neural scene reconstruction method designed for active radar imagers. Our approach unites an explicit, physics-informed sensor model with an implicit neural geometry and reflectance model to directly synthesize raw radar measurements. We validate the effectiveness of the method across diverse outdoor scenarios, including urban scenes with dense vehicles and infrastructure.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2024-05-07T20:44:48Z)
• A warm Rydberg atom-based quadrature amplitude-modulated receiver [0.9636431845459937]
  Rydberg atoms exhibit remarkable sensitivity to electromagnetic fields, making them promising candidates for field sensors.<n>We propose a protocol for signal reception near the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi frequency band, harnessing the capabilities of warm Rydberg atoms.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2024-05-05T11:38:41Z)
• Remote sensing of soil moisture using Rydberg atoms and satellite signals of opportunity [0.8437187555622164]
  Rydberg atomic sensors can be tuned to cover micro-to-millimeter waves with no requirement for band-specific electronics. We sensitize the atoms to XM satellite radio signals and use signal correlations to demonstrate use of these satellite signals for remote sensing of soil moisture.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2024-03-05T18:09:05Z)
• Quantum Vector Signal Analyzer: Wideband Electric Field Sensing via Motional Raman Transitions [1.6764941281711376]
  We use motional Raman transitions in a single trapped ion to realize state of the art sensitivities to frequency, phase, and amplitude. This technique is compatible with both quantum amplification via squeezing and measurement in the Fock basis. In addition to providing an attractive platform for quantum sensing of small fields, this technique allows in situ calibration of qubit control lines in QHO systems.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2023-11-21T00:53:36Z)
• Optimal baseline exploitation in vertical dark-matter detectors based on atom interferometry [50.06952271801328]
  Several terrestrial detectors for gravitational waves and dark matter based on long-baseline atom interferometry are currently in the final planning stages or already under construction. We show that resonant-mode detectors based on multi-diamond fountain gradiometers achieve the optimal, shot-noise limited, sensitivity if their height constitutes 20% of the available baseline.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2023-09-08T08:38:24Z)
• An Overview of Advances in Signal Processing Techniques for Classical and Quantum Wideband Synthetic Apertures [67.73886953504947]
  Synthetic aperture (SA) systems generate a larger aperture with greater angular resolution than is inherently possible from the physical dimensions of a single sensor alone. We provide a brief overview of emerging signal processing trends in such spatially and spectrally wideband SA systems. In particular, we cover the theoretical framework and practical underpinnings of wideband SA radar, channel sounding, sonar, radiometry, and optical applications.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2022-05-11T16:19:04Z)
• Three-Way Deep Neural Network for Radio Frequency Map Generation and Source Localization [67.93423427193055]
  Monitoring wireless spectrum over spatial, temporal, and frequency domains will become a critical feature in beyond-5G and 6G communication technologies. In this paper, we present a Generative Adversarial Network (GAN) machine learning model to interpolate irregularly distributed measurements across the spatial domain.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2021-11-23T22:25:10Z)
• Complex-valued Convolutional Neural Networks for Enhanced Radar Signal Denoising and Interference Mitigation [73.0103413636673]
  We propose the use of Complex-Valued Convolutional Neural Networks (CVCNNs) to address the issue of mutual interference between radar sensors. CVCNNs increase data efficiency, speeds up network training and substantially improves the conservation of phase information during interference removal.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2021-04-29T10:06:29Z)

This list is automatically generated from the titles and abstracts of the papers in this site.

This site does not guarantee the quality of this site (including all information) and is not responsible for any consequences.