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arXiv:2505.00159 · IEEE Transactions on Quantum Engineering

Rydberg Atom Electric Field Sensors as Linear Time-Invariant Systems

Neel Malvania, Garry M. Jacyna, Bonnie L. Schmittberger, Zachary Shaw, Kathryn L. Nicolich, Kelly M. Backes, Jamie MacLennan, Charles Fancher

Published Jan 1, 2026• 0 citations
arXivHTMLPDF

Abstract

Over the past decade, Rydberg atom electric field sensors have been under investigation as potential alternatives or complements to conventional antenna-based receivers for select applications in RF communications, remote sensing, and precision metrology. To understand the potential utility of these devices for various use cases, it is crucial to develop models that accurately predict key performance metrics such as instantaneous bandwidth and dynamic range. However, existing numerical models require solving a large set of coupled differential equations that is computationally intensive and lengthy to solve. We present an analytic approach that can be used to derive an impulse response function that allows up to two orders-of-magnitude reduction in computation time compared to the full time-dependent integration of the equations of motion. This approach can be used to enable rapid assessments of the Rydberg sensor's response to various waveforms.

DOI
10.1109/tqe.2026.3721420

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Over the past decade, Rydberg atom electric field sensors have been under investigation as potential alternatives or complements to conventional antenna-based receivers for select applications in RF communications, remote sensing, and precision metrology. To understand the potential utility of these devices for various use cases, it is crucial to develop models that accurately predict key performance metrics such as instantaneous bandwidth and dynamic range. However, existing numerical models require solving a large set of coupled differential equations that is computationally intensive and lengthy to solve. We present an analytic approach that can be used to derive an impulse response function that allows up to two orders-of-magnitude reduction in computation time compared to the full time-dependent integration of the equations of motion. This approach can be used to enable rapid assessments of the Rydberg sensor's response to various waveforms.
Abstract Rydberg atoms have attracted significant interest recently as electric field sensors. In order to assess potential applications, detailed understanding of relevant figures of merit is necessary, particularly in relation to other, more mature, sensor technologies. Here we present a quantitative analysis of the Rydberg sensor’s sensitivity to oscillating electric fields with frequencies between 1 kHz and 1 THz. Sensitivity is calculated using a combination of analytical and semi-classical Floquet models. Using these models, optimal sensitivity at arbitrary field frequency is determined. We validate the numeric Floquet model via experimental Rydberg sensor measurements over a range of 1–20 GHz. Using analytical models, we compare with two prominent electric field sensor technologies: electro-optic crystals and dipole antenna-coupled passive electronics.
Rydberg atom electric field sensors are projected to enable novel capabilities for resilient communications and sensing. This quantum sensor is small-size, highly sensitive, and broadly tunable, and it has the potential for performing precision vector electric field and angle-of-arrival measurements. While these atomic electric field sensors will not replace traditional receivers in commodity applications for RF signal reception, these sensors could be an enabling technology in niche application spaces. This review outlines the principles of operation of atomic electric field sensors and compares their performance capabilities to traditional RF receivers. It also highlights recent research and development efforts in atomic electric field sensing and identifies applications for which these sensors are projected to impact communications and remote sensing.
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In recent years, quantum electric field sensing technology based on Rydberg atoms has developed rapidly. Although some studies have begun to focus on the time evolution of two-photon-atom interactions and have conducted preliminary discussions on the transient behavior of EIT systems, most of the work still solves the EIT driving equation under the steady-state assumption and pays insufficient attention to the complete response process of atoms to the external electric field. In order to further fill this research gap, we formulate a density-matrix model for a ladder-type three-level Rydberg system and solve the EIT-driven equations under non-steady-state conditions. Numerical simulations reveal the real-time evolution of the atomic response during two-photon excitation and elucidate how various system parameters shape this response. On this basis, we identify optimal parameter settings that enhance the real-time performance of Rydberg-atom quantum measurements and provide theoretical guidance for future sensor design.
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