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.”
