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Terahertz receiver based on room-temperature Rydberg-atoms.
Ya-Yi Lin1,2, Zhen-Yue She1,2, Zhi-Wen Chen1,2
1Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Quantum Engineering and Quantum Materials, School of Physics and Telecommunication Engineering, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
Fundamental Research
|June 18, 2025
Summary
We developed a novel terahertz receiver using cesium Rydberg atoms. This room-temperature device enables sensitive detection for long-distance terahertz wireless communications and optical links.
Area of Science:
- Atomic physics
- Quantum optics
- Terahertz technology
Background:
- Terahertz (THz) wireless communications face challenges, necessitating highly sensitive receivers.
- Existing THz receivers often require cryogenic cooling or are bulky.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate a compact, room-temperature THz receiver using cesium Rydberg atoms.
- To enable phase-sensitive conversion of THz signals to optical signals.
- To assess the potential for long-distance THz wireless communication.
Main Methods:
- Utilized cesium Rydberg atoms in a room-temperature vapor cell as the active medium.
- Calibrated the minimum detectable THz electric field.
- Performed phase-sensitive conversion of amplitude-modulated and frequency-modulated THz waves to optical signals.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated a highly sensitive THz receiver operating at room temperature.
- Achieved phase-sensitive conversion of modulated THz waves.
- Established the feasibility of long-distance THz wireless communication with this atomic receiver.
Conclusions:
- Cesium Rydberg atomic receivers offer significant advantages for THz wireless systems due to quantum properties.
- This technology paves the way for practical THz wireless communications and wireless-to-optical links.
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