Quantum-enabled Rydberg atomic polarimetry of radio-frequency fields - A new paradigm for antenna characterisation

This project will deliver a working prototype of a quantum-enabled 3D scanning unit for measuring antenna patterns emitted in the GHz to THz frequency domain. The sensor head of the scanning unit is based on miniature non-metallic vapour cells containing rubidium atoms.

The scanning unit will draw on the fixed quantized energy levels of rubidium as well as its quantized angular momentum. Because transitions between quantized atomic angular momentum states are intimately related to the polarizations of the electromagnetic fields (GHz/THz and laser fields), the spectral imprints that can be recorded after interactions in the sensor heard can be used to infer the polarization state of an incoming GHz/THz field.

Professor Niels Kjaergaard and Postdoctoral Fellow, Dr Matthew Chilcott of Otago University will collaborate with researchers at the University of Birmingham and the National Physical Laboratory, both in the United Kingdom, as well as those from the University of Mainz and the Fraunhofer Heinrich-Hertz-Institute in Germany.