New Paradigm for Integrated Sensing and Communication with Rydberg Atomic Receiver

TL;DR

This work introduces a Rydberg-atom–based receiver (RYDAR) as a quantum-optical platform to realize integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) beyond classical electronic limits. It builds a theoretical and hardware-backed framework that couples RYDAR with broadband ISAC concepts, including a mathematical channel model, advanced waveform strategies, and array configurations to overcome bandwidth bottlenecks. Proof-of-concept demonstrations validate dual-function radar and communication capabilities with centimeter-scale ranging and robust data transmission under interference, indicating strong potential for civilian and military ISAC deployments. The study also outlines practical challenges—environmental sensitivity and integration hurdles—and presents a roadmap toward monolithic, chip-scale RYDAR arrays for next-generation networks. Collectively, the paper positions RYDAR as a compact, ultra-sensitive, ultra-broadband transceiver platform that could revolutionize 6G ISAC and beyond.

Abstract

The RYDberg Atomic Receiver (RYDAR) has been demonstrated to surmount the limitation on both the sensitivity and operating bandwidth of the classical electronic counterpart, which can theoretically detect indiscernible electric signals below -174 dBm/Hz with optical measurement through Rydberg-state atoms. Such miracle has established a new quantum-based paradigm for communications and sensing, which motivates a revolution of the transceiver design philosophies to fully unleash the potential of RYDAR towards next-generation networks. Against this background, this article provides a thorough investigation of Rydberg atomic communications and sensing from theory to hardware implementations. Specifically, we highlight the great opportunities from the hybridization between the RYDAR and the cutting-edge integrated sensing and communication (ISAC), followed by essential preliminaries of the quantum-based receiver. Then we propose a theoretical framework for broadband ISAC based on RYDAR, demonstrated by the proof-of-concept experiments. Afterwards, the enabling technologies for the ISAC framework are explored ranging from channel characterization, waveform design to array-based receiver configurations, where the open problems are also summarized. Finally, the future applications of RYDAR-based ISAC are envisioned, indicating its significant potential for both civilian and military purposes.

Figures (5)

• Figure 1: Illustrations of the Rydberg atomic receiving mechanism.
• Figure 2: Transceiver diagram of broadband RYDAR-based ISAC framework.
• Figure 3: Illustrations of the detected results at the proposed ISAC receiver.
• Figure 4: Proof-of-concept: (a) radar and (b) communication functionalities. RYDAR in (c) serving as both communication and radar receiver
• Figure 5: Typical applications for RYDAR-based ISAC.