Detection of HF and VHF Fields through Floquet Sideband Gaps by `Rabi Matching' Dressed Rydberg Atoms

• Main Authors: Rotunno, Andrew P, Berweger, Samuel, Prajapati, Nikunjkumar, Simons, Matthew T, Artusio-Glimpse, Alexandra B, Holloway, Christopher L, Jayaseelan, Maitreyi, Potvliege, Robert M, Adams, C. S
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 21-04-2023
• Subjects: Physics - Atomic Physics
• DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2212.03304

J. Appl. Phys. 134, 134501 (2023) Radio frequencies in the HF and VHF (3 MHz to 300 MHz) bands are challenging
for Rydberg atom-based detection schemes, as resonant detection requires
exciting the atoms to extremely high energy states. We demonstrate a method for
detecting and measuring radio frequency (RF) carriers in the HF and VHF bands
via a controlled Autler-Townes line splitting. Using a resonant, high-frequency
(GHz) RF field, the absorption signal from Townes-Merrit sidebands created by a
low frequency, non-resonant RF field can be enhanced. Notably, this technique
uses a measurement of the optical frequency separation of an avoided crossing
to determine the amplitude of a non-resonant, low frequency RF field. This
technique also provides frequency-selective measurements of low frequency RF
electric fields. To show this, we demonstrate amplitude modulated signal
transduction on a low frequency VHF carrier. We further demonstrate reception
of multiple tones simultaneously, creating a Rydberg `spectrum analyzer' over
the VHF range.