Communication technology based on Rydberg atoms

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1007-5461.2025.04.004

Abstract

Abstract: The electric field measurement technology based on Rydberg atoms has significant advantages in sensitivity, operating frequency band, traceability and anti-interference, and is expected to replace the traditional antenna in radio communication technology. In recent years, sensing and communication technologies using Rydberg atoms have developed rapidly. The basic principle of electric field measurement based on Rydberg atom is electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT). By measuring the real-time response of EIT spectrum to carrier signal, Rydberg atoms can recover baseband signal without demodulation. This paper reviews the experimental progress in communication technologies based on Rydberg atomic antennas, including their capabilities in reconstructing amplitude-modulated and frequency-modulated signals, as well as carrier phase measurement. It also discusses the key factors affecting the channel capacity, instantaneous bandwidth, and sensitivity of Rydberg atomic antennas. Finally, the development direction of this technology is prospected.

Key words: quantum technology, Rydberg atom, atomic antenna, radio communication

CLC Number:

O431.2

XIAO Shengxian, ZHANG Jiachen, WANG Tao , ZHANG Xuefeng . Communication technology based on Rydberg atoms[J]. Chinese Journal of Quantum Electronics, 2025, 42(4): 476-489.

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