Terahertz Receiver based on Room-Temperature Rydberg-Atoms

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates a room-temperature Rydberg-atom-based terahertz receiver capable of sensitive phase conversion, enabling long-distance wireless communication and wireless-to-optical links using quantum atomic properties.

Contribution

It introduces a novel terahertz receiver using room-temperature cesium Rydberg atoms, showcasing quantum-enhanced sensitivity and phase conversion capabilities.

Findings

Achieved calibration of minimum detectable THz electric field.

Demonstrated phase-sensitive conversion of modulated THz waves.

Showcased potential for long-distance THz wireless communication.

Abstract

Realization of practical terahertz wireless communications still faces many challenges. The receiver with high sensitivity is important for THz wireless communications. Here we demonstrate a terahertz receiver based on the cesium Rydberg atoms in a room-temperature vapor cell. The minimum detectable THz electric field is calibrated. With this receiver, the phase-sensitive conversion of amplitude-modulated or frequency-modulated terahertz waves into optical signals is performed. The results show that the atomic receiver has many advantages due to its quantum properties. Especially, the long distance THz wireless communications is achievable using this receiver. Furthermore, the atomic receiver can be used in the THz wireless-to-optical link.