Quantum Rydberg radars
AssigneeCalifornia Institute of Technology
InventorDarmindra D. Arumugam
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Abstract
Methods and receiving devices to detect radio frequency signals are disclosed. The described methods and devices make use of quantum Rydberg modes to detect direct signals, such as satellite signals, and indirect scattered signals, such as signals from constructions or individuals inside constructions. The incoming radio signals to the receiver are automatically down-converted for detection via electromagnetic induced transparency (EIT). The quantum Rydberg modes are obtained though optical excitation of alkali metal atoms.
Claims20
A Rydberg state-based atomic receiver, comprising:
- a detector configured to detect direct signals and indirect scattered signals, the detector including:
- a detection component including at least one vapor cell containing alkali metal atoms;
- and
- a signal processing component, coupled with the detection component, comprising a probing laser and a coupling laser, the probing and the coupling laser being configured to drive the alkali metal atoms of the at least one vapor cell to a Rydberg atomic state, to perform i) detection of the direct signals and indirect scattered signal and ii) correlation between the direct signals and the indirect scattered signals.
An aerial Rydberg state-based atomic receiver comprising
- a container comprising alkali metal atoms;
- and
- a probing laser and a coupling laser coupled to the container and configured to drive the alkali metal atoms to a Rydberg atomic state,
- wherein the receiver is configured to:
- receive direct signals from a satellite network and receive indirect signals comprising a scattered signal field from a structure approachable through aerial movement of the receiver;
- detect the direct signals and the indirect signals when the alkali metal atoms are in the Rydberg atomic state;
- and
- perform a correlation between the direct signals and the indirect signals to obtain information related to the structure.
A wearable and moveable Rydberg state-based atomic receiver comprising
- a portable unit comprising alkali metal atoms coupled to a probing laser and a coupling laser configured to drive the alkali metal atoms to a Rydberg atomic state,
- wherein the portable unit is configured to be worn by a moving user and to:
- receive direct signals from satellites and ground-based electromagnetic sources;
- receive indirect signals comprising a scattered signal field from an individual carrying a radio frequency (RF) signals emitting device inside a structure;
- detect the direct signals and the indirect signals when the alkali metal atoms are in the Rydberg atomic state;
- and
- perform a correlation between the direct signals and the indirect signals to obtain information related to the individual.
A static Rydberg state-based atomic receiver configured to be located on a ground-based structure, comprising:
- a unit comprising alkali metal atoms coupled to a probing laser and a coupling laser configured to drive the alkali metal atoms to a Rydberg atomic state,
- wherein the portable unit is configured to be located on a static ground-based structure and to:
- receive direct signals from satellites and ground-based electromagnetic sources;
- receive indirect signals comprising a scattered signal field from an individual carrying a radio frequency (RF) signals emitting device inside a structure;
- detect the direct signals and the indirect signals when the alkali metal atoms are in the Rydberg atomic state;
- and
- perform a correlation between the direct signals and the indirect signals to obtain information related to the individual.
A method of detecting radio frequency (RF) signals comprising:
- optically exciting cesium or rubidium atoms to a Rydberg state to induce electromagnetic transparency in the cesium or rubidium atoms;
- coupling the cesium or rubidium atoms in the Rydberg state to an RF signal to be detected thus modulating the electromagnetic transparency of the cesium or rubidium atoms to obtain a modulated transparency;
- and
- optically converting the modulated transparency to obtain a down-converted signal for detection of the RF signal.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.