Large power dynamic range microwave electric field sensing in a vapor cell

Area of Science:

• Quantum Optics
• Atomic Physics
• Metrology

Background:

• Accurate microwave (MW) electric field sensing is crucial for metrology and communication.
• Existing methods often face limitations in dynamic range and accuracy.
• Atom-based sensing offers a promising alternative for high-precision measurements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate an atom-based microwave electric field sensing system.
• To achieve a large linear power dynamic range for C-band (6.835 GHz) electric fields.
• To explore multi-cooperative measurement methods for enhanced sensing capabilities.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing Rydberg electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) spectra with the 53D_5/2 state.
• Employing the AC Stark effect for medium intensity electric field measurement.
• Implementing a heterodyne method with a local oscillator (LO) for weak field detection.
• Leveraging atomic Rabi resonance for strong electric field sensing.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated an atom-based MW sensing system in a vapor cell.
• Achieved a large linear power dynamic range of 101.6 dB for MW electric field measurements.
• Successfully measured electric fields across a wide intensity range using combined methods.

Conclusions:

• The developed system provides an effective approach for quantum MW sensing.
• High sensitivity and a large power dynamic range are achievable with this atom-based method.
• This work advances the capabilities of MW electric field metrology and sensing.