Rydberg Atomic RF Sensor-based Quantum Radar

TL;DR

The paper introduces a quantum radar architecture that replaces traditional RF receivers with Rydberg-atom RF sensors read out optically. It builds a system model, derives SNR expressions, and applies invariant-function frequency estimation to Doppler shifts, comparing performance against classical radar. Numerical results show about 40 dB SNR improvement and lower velocity estimation RMSE for the Rydberg radar, extending accurate Doppler measurements over longer ranges. The work demonstrates a viable, tunable, high-sensitivity radar approach grounded in atomic physics.

Abstract

Rydberg atom-based RF sensors offer distinct advantages over conventional dipole antennas for electric field detection. This paper presents a system model and performance analysis of a Rydberg atom-based quantum radar, which employs optical readout via lasers and photon detectors instead of circuit-based receivers. We derive the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), compare it with classical radar, and estimate Doppler frequency using an invariant function-based method. Simulations show that the quantum radar achieves higher SNR and lower RMSE in velocity estimation than conventional radar.

Figures (3)

• Figure 1: Four-level atomic system showing probe, coupling, RF, and LO transitions.
• Figure 2: System model of a Rydberg atom-based radar.
• Figure 3: Performance comparison between Rydberg quantum radar and classical radar: (a) SNR, (b) RMSE of velocity.