Atom based RF electric field sensing

Abstract

Atom-based measurements of length, time, gravity, inertial forces and electromagnetic fields are receiving increasing attention. Atoms possess properties that suggest clear advantages as self calibrating platforms for measurements of these quantities. In this review, we describe work on a new method for measuring radio frequency (RF) electric fields based on quantum interference using either Cs or Rb atoms contained in a dielectric vapor cell. Using a bright resonance prepared within an electromagnetically induced transparency window it is possible to achieve high sensitivities, <1 μV cm−1 Hz−1/2, and detect small RF electric fields μV cm−1 with a modest setup. Some of the limitations of the sensitivity are addressed in the review. The method can be used to image RF electric fields and can be adapted to measure the vector electric field amplitude. Extensions of Rydberg atom-based electrometry for frequencies up to the terahertz regime are described.

Sensing Magnetic Fields with a Giant Quantum Wave

“…Electric fields from surface charges can be detected [7]. Such fields may arise from adsorbed Rb atoms, which can pose a difficulty for various applications [39,[59][60][61][62][63][64][65][66]. The electric field is due to an induced dipole whose magnitude varies depending on the surface properties.…”

Intracavity Rydberg-atom electromagnetically induced transparency using a high-finesse optical cavity

“…Recently, research has focussed on their strong interactions, leading to the Rydberg blockade e↵ect that allows collective excitations to be created [2,3]. A number of review articles exist on various specific topics, e.g., Rydberg atom interactions [4,5], quantum information with Rydberg atoms [6,7], Rydberg atoms in magnetic fields [8] and microwave field sensing with Rydberg atoms [9]. New experiments and theory, where collective Rydberg excitations created in ultracold gases are used to shape electro-magnetic fields at the quantum level, are beginning to attract increasing attention [10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22].…”

Versatile, high-power 460 nm laser system for Rydberg excitation of ultracold potassium

“…At the same time, the continuing development of new laser sources capable of spanning almost the complete wavelength range (from ultraviolet to infrared), have made it possible to achieve quantum control over the singleatom electronic properties of many atoms, including their highly excited Rydberg states. Laser control of Rydberg states provides a novel platform for quantum science and technology, including: probing surface fields [9-12], sensing using thermal vapours [13][14][15] One outstanding application of Rydberg atoms is to exploit strong light-matter interactions to realize new types of quantum fluids enhanced by long-range interactions (Rydberg dressing) [30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38]. The challenge lies in reaching a regime of strong Rydberg atom-light coupling while at the same time minimizing decoherence.…”