Abstract We investigate the time dependence of atom-light and atom-RF field interactions in Rydberg electromagnetically-induced transparency (EIT) in a room-temperature and heated vapour cell. Quantum-optical transients are observed with rapid onset and dissolution of EIT induced by coupler-light pulses. The formulation and dissolution times of EIT, transient signals, and their dependencies on light intensities and Rydberg-atom density are studied. Simulations of pulsed EIT are performed by solving a time-dependent three-level master equation, whose results are in excellent agreement with experimental observations, including accurately reproducing quantum-optical transients observed at both onset and dissolution. We explore the time-dependent response of EIT to RF fields resonant with a Rydberg–Rydberg transition. An upper limit to the fundamental atom-RF field response time and instantaneous RF detection bandwidth with EIT-based sensors and receivers is established.Abstract We investigate the time dependence of atom-light and atom-RF field interactions in Rydberg electromagnetically-induced transparency (EIT) in a room-temperature and heated vapour cell. Quantum-optical transients are observed with rapid onset and dissolution of EIT induced by coupler-light pulses. The formulation and dissolution times of EIT, transient signals, and their dependencies on light intensities and Rydberg-atom density are studied. Simulations of pulsed EIT are performed by solving a time-dependent three-level master equation, whose results are in excellent agreement with experimental observations, including accurately reproducing quantum-optical transients observed at both onset and dissolution. We explore the time-dependent response of EIT to RF fields resonant with a Rydberg–Rydberg transition. An upper limit to the fundamental atom-RF field response time and instantaneous RF detection bandwidth with EIT-based sensors and receivers is established.

Journal of Physics B Atomic Molecular and Optical PhysicsFeb 7, 202039 citations

The Origins of Rydberg Atom Electrometer Transient Response and its Impact on Radio Frequency Pulse Sensing

Stephanie M. Bohaichuk, Donald W. Booth, Kent A. Nickerson +2 more

Rydberg atoms have shown significant promise as the basis for highly sensitive detectors of continuous radio-frequency (RF) E-fields. Here, we study their time-dependent response to pulse-modulated RF E-fields at 19.4 GHz using a cesium vapour cell at room temperature. We use density matrix simulations to explain the time scales that shape the transient atomic response under different laser conditions, finding them to be limited by dephasing mechanisms including transit time broadening, Rydberg-Rydberg collisions, and ionization. Using a matched filter, we demonstrate the detection of individual pulses with durations from 10 $μ$ s down to 50 ns and amplitudes from 15000 $μ$ V cm $^{-1}$ down to ~170 $μ$ V cm $^{-1}$ , corresponding to a sensitivity of ~240 nV cm $^{-1}$ Hz $^{-1/2}$ . Finally, we highlight the potential of a Rydberg vapour cell as a receiver by detecting pulse trains from a rotating emitter on a simulated passing aircraft.Rydberg atoms have shown significant promise as the basis for highly sensitive detectors of continuous radio-frequency (RF) E-fields. Here, we study their time-dependent response to pulse-modulated RF E-fields at 19.4 GHz using a cesium vapour cell at room temperature. We use density matrix simulations to explain the time scales that shape the transient atomic response under different laser conditions, finding them to be limited by dephasing mechanisms including transit time broadening, Rydberg-Rydberg collisions, and ionization. Using a matched filter, we demonstrate the detection of individual pulses with durations from 10 $μ$s down to 50 ns and amplitudes from 15000 $μ$V cm$^{-1}$ down to ~170 $μ$V cm$^{-1}$, corresponding to a sensitivity of ~240 nV cm$^{-1}$ Hz$^{-1/2}$. Finally, we highlight the potential of a Rydberg vapour cell as a receiver by detecting pulse trains from a rotating emitter on a simulated passing aircraft.

arXiv:2203.01733Mar 3, 20222 citations

μ

s down to 50 ns and amplitudes from 15000

μ

V cm

^{-1}

down to ~170

μ

V cm

^{-1}

, corresponding to a sensitivity of ~240 nV cm

^{-1}

^{-1/2}

. Finally, we highlight the potential of a Rydberg vapour cell as a receiver by detecting pulse trains from a rotating emitter on a simulated passing aircraft.