Rydberg Demonstrates Atomic RF Communication with Quantum Sensor

The Rydberg atomic receiver device exhibited impressive sensitivity across the HF to SHF bands and demonstrated over-the-air atomic RF communication at long range By Abi Wylie / 27 Dec 2023

BLOS Communications

Discover cutting-edge solutions from leading global suppliers
SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
Rydberg Demonstrates Long-Range Atomic RF Communication with Quantum Sensor
Follow DA

Rydberg Technologies Inc. has launched its low size weight and power (SWaP) atomic receiver and has successfully demonstrated a long-range radio communications with an atomic quantum sensor.

Rydberg is a leader in quantum technologies and a pioneer in radio frequency (RF) quantum sensing, and believes this to be the world’s first long-range radio communications with an atomic quantum sensor.

The demonstration occurred at the recent U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) C5ISR Center Network Modernization Experiment 2023 (NetModX23) event, a proving ground for next-generation technologies for communications and intelligence. 

The Rydberg atomic receiver device exhibited impressive sensitivity across the high-frequency (HF) to super high-frequency (SHF) bands and demonstrated over-the-air atomic RF communication at long range. 

This demonstration was carried out in an operationally relevant environment, with the atomic receiver setting new industry standards in size, performance and environmental resilience for Rydberg atom quantum sensors. 

Other important aspects of the company’s sensing technology showcased were signal selectivity, low detection probability and immunity to unwanted interference in contested electromagnetic environments.

When compared to traditional antennas, Rydberg says its atomic receivers offer a unique set of characteristics, including high sensitivity, selectivity and wideband coverage using a single atomic detector element. 

Rydberg atom devices could have the potential to revolutionize RF surveillance, safety, communications and networking capabilities from long-wavelength RF to millimeter-wave and THz bands.

The Rydberg Atomic Receiver was developed with support from the National Security Innovation Capital (NSIC) funding initiative, a part of the Defense Innovation Unit.

David A. Anderson, Ph.D., CEO of Rydberg Technologies, said; “The introduction of our atomic receiver prototype and its successful deployment under real-world conditions represents an important step forward in the quantum technology landscape. 

“We have demonstrated the smallest ever atomic receiver at frequencies and long-range communication distances that show a clear path for transitioning Rydberg atom quantum technologies from laboratory to real-world applications.

“Our successful long-range signal reception with a Rydberg sensor represents a significant milestone for the technology and the advent of Rydberg atomic radio. Rydberg Technologies continues to advance performance and functionality of atomic receivers to address RF applications in defense and commercial markets.”

Posted by Abi Wylie Edited by Abigail Wylie, Editor and Copywriter experienced in digital media with a keen interest in ocean science technology. Connect & Contact

Latest Articles

GA-ASI & Marine Corps Advance MQ-9A Operational Capabilities

The U.S. Marine Corps has accumulated over 1,000 flight hours using the MQ-9A unmanned aircraft in collaboration with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI)

Apr 30, 2025
New ESTU Module to Boost Short-Term Stability of Optical Cesium Clocks

Adtran has launched the Enhanced Short-Term Unit (ESTU) for its OSA 3300 optical cesium clocks, delivering passive hydrogen maser-level stability and significantly enhancing precision timing for defense applications

Apr 30, 2025
Sky Power to Showcase ISR UAV Propulsion Technology at XPONENTIAL 2025

Sky Power International will present advanced UAV propulsion technologies at XPONENTIAL 2025, highlighting powerful engines, hybrid systems, and customized solutions for ISR and civilian applications

Apr 29, 2025
Full Ground Autonomy Integrated into Army SMET Vehicle for Uncrewed Breaching

Overland AI demonstrated its latest autonomous ground breaching capabilities at Project Convergence Capstone 5, integrating advanced software, hardware, and aerial payloads for Army experimentation

Apr 29, 2025
Application of Wheel Speed Sensors in INS

Micro-Magic delves into how wheel speed sensors are often used as auxiliary sensors in INS to improve navigation accuracy and suppress accumulated errors of inertial sensors

Apr 28, 2025
Product Spotlight: The Honeywell HG4930 IMU

Honeywell highlights the key features and reliability of the Honeywell HG4930 IMU, a trusted solution for navigation in GNSS-denied environments and challenging conditions

Apr 28, 2025

Featured Content

Sky Power to Showcase ISR UAV Propulsion Technology at XPONENTIAL 2025

Sky Power International will present advanced UAV propulsion technologies at XPONENTIAL 2025, highlighting powerful engines, hybrid systems, and customized solutions for ISR and civilian applications

Apr 29, 2025
Q&A with DEFCROS: Key Insights for the 2025 Expo

DEFCROS Founder Kristijan Ilovača discusses the expo’s rapid growth, international ambitions, and how the event aims to support defense and security innovators

Apr 24, 2025
Ophir® FoldIR Lens Enhances Long-Range Imaging for Defense & Security Operations

The new Ophir® FoldIR 25-275mm MWIR zoom lens delivers compact, long-range imaging with low-SWaP performance for drones and small gimbal platforms

Apr 17, 2025
Advancing Defense Capability Through Strategic Collaboration Defense Advancement works with major OEMs to foster collaboration and increase engagement with SMEs, to accelerate innovation and drive defense capabilities forward.