Superheterodyne Rydberg S-band receiver with a multi-tone local oscillator based on an atomic transition loop

Area of Science:

• Atomic physics
• Quantum sensing
• Electromagnetics

Background:

• Rydberg atom sensors offer high sensitivity for practical applications.
• Superheterodyne operation, ideal for sensitivity, requires a local oscillator.
• The local oscillator compromises stealth and all-optical advantages of Rydberg sensors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and demonstrate a novel detection scheme for Rydberg atom sensors.
• To overcome the limitations imposed by the local oscillator in superheterodyne operation.
• To enable stealthy and all-optical Rydberg sensors operating at S-band frequencies.

Main Methods:

• Development of a multi-tone mixing detection scheme.
• Theoretical analysis to predict sensor performance.
• Experimental realization of the proposed scheme for S-band operation.

Main Results:

• The proposed multi-tone mixing scheme eliminates the need for a direct local oscillator at the same frequency.
• The sensor operates effectively at S-band frequencies (IEEE 802.11/Wi-Fi bands).
• The scheme maintains high sensitivity while preserving stealth and all-optical operation.

Conclusions:

• The multi-tone mixing technique provides a viable solution for enhancing Rydberg atom sensor practicality.
• This approach preserves key advantages like stealth and all-optical operation.
• The developed sensor is suitable for S-band applications without signal interference.