New Quantum Antenna Reveals a Hidden Terahertz World
4 days ago
- #terahertz
- #metrology
- #quantum-technology
- Researchers at the University of Warsaw developed a quantum antenna using Rydberg atoms to detect and calibrate terahertz frequency combs.
- The new method combines atomic electrometry with terahertz-to-light conversion, enabling the first measurement of a single terahertz comb tooth.
- Terahertz radiation, positioned between microwaves and infrared, has potential applications in 6G communication, non-harmful package inspection, and organic compound spectroscopy.
- Frequency combs act as ultra-precise electromagnetic rulers, crucial for calibrating instruments across various frequencies, including the challenging terahertz range.
- Rydberg atoms, excited to high-energy states, serve as highly sensitive quantum antennas, tunable across a wide frequency range up to terahertz.
- A hybrid approach converts weak terahertz signals into optical photons, enhancing sensitivity and enabling precise calibration of comb teeth.
- The breakthrough allows for room-temperature quantum sensing, paving the way for new terahertz metrology and future commercial applications.
- The research was funded by the Foundation for Polish Science and the National Science Centre, with results published in the journal Optica.