A photonic crystal receiver for Rydberg atom-based sensing.

Area of Science:

• Quantum Technology
• Electromagnetics
• Atomic Physics

Background:

• Rydberg atom-based sensors detect radio frequency (RF) fields by measuring changes in atomic gas absorption.
• Current Rydberg sensors show promise but lack the sensitivity of conventional RF sensors.
• Vapor cell design is a key area for improving Rydberg sensor performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To enhance the sensitivity of Rydberg atom-based sensors.
• To introduce a novel vapor cell design incorporating an all-dielectric amplifier.
• To demonstrate the effectiveness of vapor cell engineering for quantum sensing applications.

Main Methods:

• Integration of a slot waveguide and photonic crystal into a Rydberg atom sensor vapor cell.
• Adiabatic coupling of RF fields into the slot waveguide to slow the field.
• Utilizing the slowed field to increase atom-field interaction and amplify the signal.

Main Results:

• Achieved a power amplification of approximately 24 dB within the engineered vapor cell.
• Demonstrated increased interaction between the RF field and Rydberg atoms.
• Showcased an amplified Rabi frequency on the RF transition.

Conclusions:

• Vapor cell engineering is a viable strategy to significantly improve Rydberg atom sensor sensitivity.
• The developed passive, all-dielectric amplifier integrated into the vapor cell enhances RF field detection.
• This approach holds potential for advancing atom-based quantum technologies and other related devices.