Rydberg Technologies, a global leader in quantum technologies, has successfully demonstrated the world’s first long-range radio communications with an atomic quantum sensor. The demonstration took place at the U.S. Army’s NetModX23 event. The atomic receiver device showed exceptional sensitivity across high-frequency bands and set new industry standards for Rydberg atom quantum sensors. CEO David A. Anderson stated that this represents a significant step forward in quantum technology. The Rydberg Atomic Receiver was developed with support from the National Security Innovation Capital funding initiative.
Rydberg Technologies’ Quantum Sensor Breakthrough
Ann Arbor-based company, Rydberg Technologies Inc., known for its work in Rydberg quantum technologies and radio frequency (RF) quantum sensing, has announced a significant development in its atomic receiver technology. The company successfully demonstrated the world’s first long-range radio communications with an atomic quantum sensor at the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) C5ISR Center Network Modernization Experiment 2023 (NetModX23) event.
Unprecedented Sensitivity and Performance
The atomic receiver device displayed exceptional sensitivity across the high-frequency (HF) to super high-frequency (SHF) bands. It also demonstrated over-the-air atomic RF communication at long range. This demonstration took place in an operationally relevant environment, setting new industry standards in size, performance, and environmental resilience for Rydberg atom quantum sensors. The company’s sensing technology also exhibited signal selectivity, low detection probability, and immunity to unwanted interference in contested electromagnetic environments.
A Step Forward in Quantum Technology
David A. Anderson, Ph.D., CEO of Rydberg Technologies, expressed that the successful deployment of their atomic receiver prototype under real-world conditions represents a significant advancement in the quantum technology landscape. The company demonstrated the smallest ever atomic receiver at frequencies and long-range communication distances, indicating a clear path for transitioning Rydberg atom quantum technologies from laboratory to real-world applications.
Potential Impact on RF Applications
Anderson also highlighted that the successful long-range signal reception with a Rydberg sensor marks a significant milestone for the technology and the advent of Rydberg atomic radio. The company is committed to enhancing the performance and functionality of atomic receivers to address RF applications in defense and commercial markets. Compared to traditional antennas, Rydberg 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 potentially revolutionize RF surveillance, safety, communications, and networking capabilities from long-wavelength RF to millimeter-wave and THz bands.
The development of the Rydberg Atomic Receiver was supported by the National Security Innovation Capital (NSIC) funding initiative, a part of the Defense Innovation Unit. Founded in 2015, Rydberg Technologies Inc. is a research and development company and manufacturer of quantum technologies based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The company’s recent breakthrough could pave the way for significant advancements in the field of quantum technologies and RF applications.
“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.” said David A. Anderson, Ph.D., CEO of Rydberg Technologies. “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,” added Anderson. “Rydberg Technologies continues to advance performance and functionality of atomic receivers to address RF applications in defense and commercial markets.”
Summary
Rydberg Technologies has successfully demonstrated the world’s first long-range radio communications using an atomic quantum sensor, setting new industry standards in size, performance and environmental resilience. This technology, which offers high sensitivity, selectivity and wideband coverage, has the potential to revolutionise radio frequency surveillance, safety, communications, and networking capabilities.
- Rydberg Technologies Inc., a Michigan-based quantum technologies company, has successfully demonstrated the world’s first long-range radio communications with an atomic quantum sensor.
- The demonstration took place at the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) C5ISR Center Network Modernization Experiment 2023 (NetModX23) event.
- The company’s atomic receiver device showed exceptional sensitivity across high-frequency (HF) to super high-frequency (SHF) bands.
- The atomic receiver set new industry standards in size, performance, and environmental resilience for Rydberg atom quantum sensors.
- The technology also demonstrated signal selectivity, low detection probability, and immunity to unwanted interference in contested electromagnetic environments.
- CEO David A. Anderson stated that this represents a significant step forward in the quantum technology landscape, with potential applications in defense and commercial markets.
- Compared to traditional antennas, Rydberg atomic receivers offer high sensitivity, selectivity, and wideband coverage using a single atomic detector element.
- The Rydberg Atomic Receiver was developed with support from the National Security Innovation Capital (NSIC) funding initiative, a part of the Defense Innovation Unit.
