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arXiv · 2601.20631

Rydberg Receivers for Space Applications

Gianluca Allinson·Mark Bason·Alexis Bonnin·Sebastian Borówka·Petronilo Martin-Iglesias·Manuel Martin Neira·Mateusz Mazelanik·Richard Murchie·Michał Parniak·Sophio Pataraia·Thibaud Ruelle·Sylvain Schwartz·Aaron Strangfeld
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Abstract

Rydberg-atom sensors convert radiofrequency, microwave and terahertz fields into optical signals with SI-traceable calibration, high sensitivity, and broad tunability. This review assesses their potential for space applications by comparing five general architectures (Autler-Townes, AC-Stark, superheterodyne, radiofrequency-to-optical conversion, and fluorescence) against space application needs. We identify promising roles in radiometry, radar, terahertz sensing, and in-orbit calibration, and outline key limitations, including shot noise, sparse terahertz transitions, and currently large Size, Weight, Power and Cost. A staged roadmap highlights which uncertainties should be resolved first and how research organisations, industry and space agencies could take the lead for the different aspects.

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Gianluca Allinson, Mark Bason, Alexis Bonnin, Sebastian Borówka, Petronilo Martin-Iglesias, Manuel Martin Neira, Mateusz Mazelanik, Richard Murchie, Michał Parniak, Sophio Pataraia, Thibaud Ruelle, Sylvain Schwartz, Aaron Strangfeld. 2026-01-28. Rydberg Receivers for Space Applications. https://arxiv.org/abs/2601.20631

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