Enhanced Ground-Satellite Direct Access via Onboard Rydberg Atomic Quantum Receivers

TL;DR

This paper presents the Rydberg Atomic Quantum Receiver (RAQR), a compact, highly sensitive onboard satellite receiver that converts radio signals to optical signals, overcoming traditional RF limitations for ground-satellite communication in 6G networks.

Contribution

Introduction of RAQR, a novel atomic-based receiver that enhances sensitivity, selectivity, and integration for satellite communication systems, addressing key challenges in size, power, and spectrum congestion.

Findings

RAQR significantly improves data rate and coverage.

RAQR offers high frequency selectivity and sensitivity.

The design supports integration into satellite payloads.

Abstract

Ground-satellite links for 6G networks face critical challenges, including severe path loss, tight size-weight-power limits, and congested spectrum, all of which significantly hinder the performance of traditional radio frequency (RF) front ends. This article introduces the Rydberg Atomic Quantum Receiver (RAQR) for onboard satellite systems, a millimeter-scale front end that converts radio fields to optical signals through atomic electromagnetically induced transparency. RAQR's high sensitivity and high frequency selectivity address link budget, payload, and interference challenges while fitting within space constraints. A hybrid atomic-electronic design and supporting signal model demonstrate enhanced data rate, coverage, and sensing accuracy relative to conventional RF receivers. The article concludes with integration strategies, distributed-satellite concepts, and open research problems for bringing RAQR-enabled satellite payloads into service.