Polish scientists are developing novel Rydberg antennas that can receive electromagnetic waves over an extremely wide range of frequencies thanks to quantum effects. The prototype device was commissioned by the European Space Agency (ESA) and will be used to study the atmosphere and monitor radio transmission bands.
Challenges of traditional receivers
Currently, in order to receive electromagnetic signals at different frequencies, it is necessary to use a number of receivers with different designs and parameters. For example, X-ray waves are detected by specialized detectors, visible light by the human eye, and microwaves by the antennas in cell phones. Building a universal receiver capable of operating over a wide range of frequencies is a major technological challenge.
Innovation of Rydberg antennas
A team of Dr. Michał Parniak-Niedojadło from the University of Warsaw’s Department of Physics and the UW’s Center for Quantum Optical Technologies is working on an antenna that can receive electromagnetic waves at widely varying frequencies, from megahertz (MHz) to terahertz (THz). It could replace many traditional receivers, which is particularly important in the space sector, where every extra gram of equipment comes at a high cost.
Application of Rydberg atoms
A key element of this technology is Rydberg atoms, i.e. atoms in which electrons have been excited to very high energy states, resulting in a significant increase in their size. In the case of rubidium atoms, electrons can be laser-excited to higher orbitals, making the entire atom as large as 10 micrometers in diameter. Such an enlarged atom enters into resonance with electromagnetic waves of a certain frequency, which allows their detection by photonic methods.
Advantages and potential applications
Rydberg receivers operate at room temperature and are compact; the receiver itself is the size of a cube with the side length of a few millimeters, although precision lasers are needed to activate and read them. Due to their small size, these antennas can detect waves without disturbing them, making them difficult to detect. In addition, the lack of electronics in the receiver itself makes them resistant to traditional attacks, such as remote damage by a strong radio signal.
ESA plans to use the antennas to study the atmosphere and natural radiation, including radiation reflected from the planet. In addition, the antennas can be used to monitor whether entities are using their assigned frequency bands as intended. Other potential applications include precise temperature measurements under extreme conditions and detection and amplification of very weak signals in telecommunications. In the future, Rydberg antennas may find applications in quantum computers as components responsible for communication.
The use of quantum effects in the space industry is not new; devices such as lasers and atomic clocks have long been used there to improve the accuracy of navigation systems such as GPS. However, the development of Rydberg antennas opens up new possibilities for detecting and analyzing electromagnetic waves, which could significantly impact future space and telecommunications technologies.
Sources: Nauka w Polsce, Uniwersytet Warszawski, Europejska Agencja Kosmiczna, PAP. / Photo: Michal Parniak (UW)
