Shortwave frequency-hopping reception via a Rydberg atom-based electrically small antenna
Abstract
There is an inherent trade-off in shortwave (SW) signal reception between achieving wide operational bandwidth and high radio sensitivity. Advances in SW radio reception hold significant potential for applications in communications, broadcasting, and over-the-horizon radar. Here, we demonstrate a proof-of-concept Rydberg SW receiver integrated with the frequency-hopping technique, achieving a highly sensitive reception compatible with large bandwidth. By shifting a carrier across the whole SW band, the atomic communication maintains a stable and high data capacity far beyond the Chu–Harrington limit. The outcomes of our work facilitate the development of Rydberg atom-based RF field sensing and communication.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Cold Atom Physics and Bose-Einstein Condensates
Atomic and Subatomic Physics Research
Quantum Information and Cryptography
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Applied Physics Letters
- Publisher
- AIP Publishing
- Volume
- 128
- Issue
- 3
- Publication date
- 19 January 2026
- Language
- EN