Description
Highly-excited Rydberg atoms have been used for International System of Unit (SI)-traceable radio-frequency (RF) electric field and power measurements, but are limited in sensitivity to order 100 $\mu$V/m/$\sqrt{Hz}$ by noise and linewidth issues. These Rydberg atom-based sensors have far-reaching capabilities, ranging from SI-traceable measurements to receiving communication signals, even streaming video. We survey several recent experimental schemes and analysis techniques which help increase sensitivity in Rydberg spectroscopy measurements. Two methods to amplify signals without introducing electronic noise are the optical homodyne detection scheme to reduce laser power noise fluctuations, and using a metamaterial split-ring resonator to enhance the field at the location of the atoms. Linewidths can be narrowed via significant experimental adjustments, such as cooling atoms or using Doppler-narrowed three-photon schemes, which are efficiently simulated via a new calculation method. We also examine methods to lower the noise floor of the 'super-heterodyne’ scheme, which enables detection of phase and amplitude for very weak RF signals using an RF local oscillator, as well as a separate 'all-optical’ phase detection method in Rubidium. We also develop theoretical methods for fitting experimental spectra which are broadened by spatially inhomogeneous fields, as are present in vapor cells and unmatched waveguides. Each of these methods helps increase sensitivity of atomic electric field measurements, to the point where they have enabled wireless live video reception. Taken together, they demonstrate the many opportunities in Rydberg engineering for refining measurements.
| Presenter name | Andrew Rotunno |
|---|---|
| How will you attend ICAP-27? | I am planning on in-person attendance |
