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arXiv · 2506.20862

An Imaging Radar Using a Rydberg Atom Receiver

William J. Watterson·Nikunjkumar Prajapati·Rodrigo Castillo-Garza·Samuel Berweger·Noah Schlossberger·Alexandra Artusio-Glimpse·Christopher L. Holloway·Matthew T. Simons
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Abstract

Rydberg atoms in a gas form are highly sensitive electric field probes capable of detecting and measuring the amplitude, phase, and polarization of broadband time-varying signals. Here, we present the performance of a frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar using a Rydberg atom-based subwavelength sensor as a receiver. This sensor down converts the radar echoes, eliminates key FMCW electrical components, and performs two-dimensional target localization. To demonstrate its capabilities, we present an RF image of a scene containing targets in an anechoic room with radar cross sections down to 0 dBsm at a distance up to 5 m and with a range resolution of 4.7 cm.

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William J. Watterson, Nikunjkumar Prajapati, Rodrigo Castillo-Garza, Samuel Berweger, Noah Schlossberger, Alexandra Artusio-Glimpse, Christopher L. Holloway, Matthew T. Simons. 2025-06-25. An Imaging Radar Using a Rydberg Atom Receiver. https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0287757

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