Quantum sensing of low-frequency electric signal enabled by modulated auxiliary field in Rydberg atoms

• URL: http://arxiv.org/abs/2607.18740v1
• Date: Tue, 21 Jul 2026 06:03:38 GMT
• Title: Quantum sensing of low-frequency electric signal enabled by modulated auxiliary field in Rydberg atoms
• Abstract summary: We propose a quantum sensing scheme for low-frequency electric signals using modulated auxiliary fields in Rydberg atoms.<n>We demonstrate a sensitivity of $7.5 pm 2.6mathrmV/(cmcdot Hz1/2)$ at 5 kHz and a minimal detectable field of 0.26 pm 0.04mathrmV/cm$ with an integration time of 1000 s.
• Score: 3.4592888406058084
• License: http://arxiv.org/licenses/nonexclusive-distrib/1.0/
• Abstract: Rydberg atoms have emerged as a versatile and efficient platform for high-sensitivity quantum sensing of free-space electric fields, with remarkable progress in detecting low-frequency signals. To date, low-frequency Rydberg receivers have relied on a constant bias field, typically realized via intra-cell electrodes or Rydberg plasmas generated by photoelectric effects or inter-atomic interactions. While these approaches improve sensitivity, they suffer from inherent challenges in calibration, long-term stability, and robustness, hindering practical deployment. Here, we propose, design, and experimentally demonstrate a quantum sensing scheme for low-frequency electric signals using modulated auxiliary fields in Rydberg atoms. Unlike conventional methods that employ external DC electric fields that are often fully shielded by adsorbed atom layers on the cell walls, we introduce an AC-field modulation strategy. The incoming low-frequency signal mixes with the auxiliary field, and together they induce Stark shifts of the Rydberg level. These shifts are mapped onto the probe laser via electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT), in a manner analogous to heterodyne detection. We demonstrate a sensitivity of $7.5 \pm 2.6~\mathrm{μV/(cm\cdot Hz^{1/2})}$ at 5 kHz and a minimal detectable field of $0.26 \pm 0.04~\mathrm{μV/cm}$ with an integration time of 1000 s. Furthermore, we extend this approach to systematically analyze the performance of generalized auxiliary fields containing multiple frequency components. By virtue of modulated auxiliary field and quantum frequency mixing, our results establish a robust and systematic framework for quantum sensing of low-frequency electric fields with Rydberg atoms, offering improved sensitivity, stability, and immunity to environmental drifts.

Related papers

• High-Frequency Gravitational Wave Detection with Superconducting Qubits [3.281545145090378]
  High-frequency gravitational waves (HFGWs) provide a unique window into high-energy and early-universe physics, yet they evade traditional macroscopic interferometry.<n>We propose a novel quantum-sensing paradigm utilizing superconducting transmon qubits embedded in resonant microwave cavities.<n>We demonstrate that an idealized global register of 800 qubits reaches a strain sensitivity that surpasses standard macroscopic cavity-power limits by five orders of magnitude.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2026-08-03T18:00:03Z)
• Scalable surface ion trap design for magnetic quantum sensing and gradiometry [0.0]
  Magnetic quantum sensors based on trapped ions utilize properties of quantum mechanics which have optimized precision and beat current limits in sensor technology.<n>Trapped ions are highly sensitive in a large span of signal ranging from DC or static B-field to the radiofrequency range in 100s of MHz.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2026-04-23T06:57:23Z)
• Sensing of Low-Frequency Electric Fields Using Rydberg EIT within the Fisher Information Framework [3.399217837454362]
  We present a theoretical investigation into low-frequency electric field detection using Rydberg atoms.<n>We propose a linearized sensing strategy utilizing a DC-biased two-point differential measurement.<n>This work provides a rigorous theoretical basis and design guidance for the high-precision quantum monitoring of electromagnetic environments in smart grids.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2026-04-17T10:12:39Z)
• Sensing Low-Frequency Field with Rydberg Atoms via Quantum Weak Measurement [11.333883299027361]
  Rydberg atom has emerged as an attractive choice to realize quantum sensing of low-frequency electric field.<n> external field acting on the Rydberg state can induce the polarization variation of probe laser in Rydberg electromagnetically induced transparency system.<n>We experimentally observe this phenomenon and realize signal extraction by appropriately utilizing the polarization degrees of freedom.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2026-03-10T11:21:40Z)
• Heterodyne detection of low-frequency fields via Rydberg EIT with phase demodulation [6.486794173111519]
  We design, implement and analyze a special but low-cost and scalable method to detect low-frequency fields via Rydberg atoms.<n>Our method focuses on the phase modulation effect on the probe laser induced by the low-frequency fields via the Rydberg EIT mechanism.<n>The general principles of our method apply to both electric and magnetic fields and it is even possible to realize the combination of both functionalities in the same apparatus.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2025-05-30T06:46:44Z)
• Quantum-enabled Rydberg atomic polarimetry of radio-frequency fields [37.69303106863453]
  Rydberg atoms efficiently link photons between the radio-frequency (RF) and optical domains.<n>We investigate spectroscopic signatures owing to the angular momentum quantization of the atomic states.<n>Our study adds important insights into the prospects of Rydberg atomic gases for quantum metrological electric field characterization.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2025-03-23T09:13:36Z)
• 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)
• Multichannel, ultra-wideband Rydberg Electrometry with an Optical Frequency Comb [39.876383980625235]
  We show the use of a mid-infrared, frequency agile optical frequency comb as the coupling laser for three-photon Rydberg atom electrometry. The generality and flexibility of this method for wideband multiplexing is anticipated to have transformative effects in the field of Rydberg electrometry.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2024-09-09T19:22:28Z)
• A spin-refrigerated cavity quantum electrodynamic sensor [1.6713959634020665]
  Quantum sensors based on solid-state defects, in particular nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond, enable precise measurement of magnetic fields, temperature, rotation, and electric fields. We introduce a cavity quantum electrodynamic (cQED) hybrid system operating in the strong coupling regime, which enables high readout fidelity of an NV ensemble. We demonstrate a broadband sensitivity of 580 fT/$sqrtmathrmHz$ around 15 kHz in ambient conditions.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2024-04-16T14:56:50Z)
• High angular momentum coupling for enhanced Rydberg-atom sensing in the VHF band [33.45861095003339]
  This letter documents a series of experiments with Rydberg atomic sensors to collect and process waveforms from the automated identification system (AIS) used in maritime navigation in the Very High Frequency (VHF) band. We show the results from a new method called High Angular Momentum Matching Excited Raman (HAMMER), which enhances low frequency detection and exhibits superior sensitivity compared to the traditional AC Stark effect.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2023-10-03T05:53:54Z)
• Multiparameter quantum sensing and magnetic communications with a hybrid dc and rf optically pumped magnetometer [41.94295877935867]
  We introduce and demonstrate a hybrid optically pumped magnetometer (HOPM) that simultaneously measures one dc field component and one RF field component quadrature. The HOPM achieves sub-pT/$sqrtmathrmHz$ sensitivity for both dc and RF fields, and is limited in sensitivity by spin projection noise at low frequencies and by photon shot noise at high frequencies.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2023-08-27T22:17:21Z)
• High speed microcircuit and synthetic biosignal widefield imaging using nitrogen vacancies in diamond [44.62475518267084]
  We show how to image signals from a microscopic lithographically patterned circuit at the micrometer scale. Using a new type of lock-in amplifier camera, we demonstrate sub-millisecond spatially resolved recovery of AC and pulsed electrical current signals. Finally, we demonstrate as a proof of principle the recovery of synthetic signals replicating the exact form of signals in a biological neural network.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2021-07-29T16:27:39Z)
• Continuous-Wave Frequency Upconversion with a Molecular Optomechanical Nanocavity [46.43254474406406]
  We use molecular cavity optomechanics to demonstrate upconversion of sub-microwatt continuous-wave signals at $sim$32THz into the visible domain at ambient conditions. The device consists in a plasmonic nanocavity hosting a small number of molecules. The incoming field resonantly drives a collective molecular vibration, which imprints an optomechanical modulation on a visible pump laser.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2021-07-07T06:23:14Z)

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.