Communication method and related device

Abstract

A communication method and a related device are applied to the field of communication. In the method, a first device receives a first microwave signal to be detected; the first device sends a first laser signal to a first atomic steam cavity to obtain first signal intensity, the first signal intensity is the signal intensity of the first laser signal penetrating through the first atomic steam cavity, the frequency of the first laser signal changes periodically, and the transmissivity of the first atomic steam cavity is related to the first microwave signal; the first device determines a first attribute of the first microwave signal according to the first signal intensity and the frequency of the first laser signal, and the first attribute comprises the signal intensity or the signal frequency so as to increase the signal bandwidth of microwave signal detection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communications, and more particularly to a communication method and related apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, Rydberg atomic receivers are finding increasingly widespread applications, such as in cellular communications, satellite communications, and laser communications. Rydberg atomic receivers can enhance the detection capability of communication signals, enabling high-speed, low-error-rate data transmission. The basic working principle of a Rydberg atomic receiver is as follows: two laser sources are used to excite the atomic medium to a state sensitive to external electric fields; the external electric field alters the state distribution of the atoms; by detecting the optical properties of the atomic vapor medium, such as transmittance and refractive index, information about the microwave electric field can be calculated, for example, the intensity of the microwave electric field.

[0003] When detecting microwave electric fields, signal recovery can be performed using transmitted laser spectroscopy based on the electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) effect. However, when the atomic medium is excited to a state sensitive to external electric fields using a laser source, the signal bandwidth is limited by factors such as the system relaxation time, resulting in a smaller signal bandwidth for microwave signal detection. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a communication method and related apparatus for increasing the signal bandwidth of microwave signal detection.

[0005] The first aspect of this application provides a communication method applied to a first device, which may be a terminal device or a network device. The method may also be applied to a communication module within the first device, or to a circuit or chip (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-chip (SoC) chip containing a modem core, or a system-in-package (SIP) chip) within the first device responsible for communication functions. Taking the application of this method to a first device as an example, in this method, the first device receives a first microwave signal to be detected; the first device sends a first laser signal to a first atomic vapor cavity to obtain a first signal intensity, which is the signal intensity of the first laser signal after passing through the first atomic vapor cavity. The frequency of the first laser signal changes periodically, and the transmittance of the first atomic vapor cavity is related to the first microwave signal; the first device determines a first attribute of the first microwave signal based on the first signal intensity and the frequency of the first laser signal, the first attribute including signal intensity or signal frequency.

[0006] In the first aspect, since the frequency of the first laser signal changes periodically, the first signal intensity corresponding to different frequencies of the first laser signal can be obtained. Then, the first attribute of the first microwave signal can be determined based on the first signal intensity and the different frequencies of the first laser signal. For example, a spectrum can be obtained based on the first signal intensity and the different frequencies of the first laser signal, and the first attribute of the first microwave signal can be determined based on this spectrum. Since the first microwave signal affects the transmittance of the atomic vapor cavity, it affects the first signal intensity. By setting different frequencies of the first laser signal, the first attribute of the first microwave signal can be determined by combining the correspondence between multiple frequencies of the first laser signal and the first signal intensity. Since the frequency of the first laser signal is no longer a fixed value but is variable, the signal bandwidth for microwave signal detection can be increased. For example, when the first atomic vapor cavity is a Rydberg atomic receiver, this application can be used to achieve microwave signal detection over a wide bandwidth. Furthermore, this application has a wide range of applications; regardless of whether the microwave signal is a single-carrier or multi-carrier signal, this application can detect the first attribute of the microwave signal.

[0007] Optionally, the first microwave signal can be transmitted through the atomic vapor cavity, and then the photodetector in the first device receives the first microwave signal after it has passed through the atomic vapor cavity, and then the signal intensity of the first laser signal after it has passed through the atomic vapor cavity can be detected.

[0008] Optionally, the atomic vapor chamber described above can be the atomic vapor chamber in a Rydberg atomic receiver.

[0009] In one alternative implementation of the first aspect, the frequency variation period of the first laser signal is related to the transmission period of the first microwave signal.

[0010] In the above implementation, since the frequency variation period of the first laser signal is related to the transmission period of the first microwave signal, that is, the frequency variation period of the first laser signal is adapted to the transmission period of the first microwave signal, this is beneficial for acquiring periodic spectra, thereby better detecting the signal strength or signal frequency of the first microwave signal.

[0011] In one alternative implementation of the first aspect, the first device transmits a radio frequency signal to drive an acousto-optic modulator; the frequency of the first laser signal is modulated by the acousto-optic modulator, and the frequency of the radio frequency signal is detuned to the same frequency as the first laser signal.

[0012] In the above implementation, the frequency of the first laser signal is modulated by an acousto-optic modulator. The acousto-optic modulator has a larger modulation bandwidth, and the frequency of the first laser signal after modulation can be changed, and the amplitude of the frequency change is large, so as to better detect the signal strength or signal frequency of the first microwave signal.

[0013] Optionally, the radio frequency signal can be a sinusoidal signal.

[0014] Optionally, when the radio frequency signal source driving the acousto-optic modulator can transmit a radio frequency signal, for example, a sinusoidal signal with a frequency of f0, the corresponding frequency detuning of the first laser signal is f0, that is, the frequency change of the first laser signal is f0. Therefore, by changing the frequency of the radio frequency signal and then modulating the first laser signal through the acousto-optic modulator, the detection laser source can generate a first laser signal with a periodically changing frequency.

[0015] Optionally, the first device can set the operating frequencies of the detection laser source and the coupled laser source according to the default frequency band, and periodically modulate the frequency detuning of the detection laser source through an acousto-optic modulator.

[0016] In one alternative implementation of the first aspect, the first device transmits the first laser signal via a first light source, the driving current of which varies periodically.

[0017] In the above implementation, the frequency of the first laser signal can be periodically changed by the periodic change of the driving current. Furthermore, the hardware structure corresponding to the driving current is simple, and the system complexity is lower. With minimal impact on the system complexity and hardware structure of the first device, a variable-frequency first laser signal can be transmitted, thereby detecting the signal strength and / or signal frequency of the first microwave signal through this first laser signal.

[0018] Optionally, the aforementioned driving current can be the current applied to excite or drive the probe laser source.

[0019] Optionally, the first device can set the operating frequencies of the detection laser source and the coupled laser source according to a default frequency band, and periodically modulate the frequency detuning of the detection laser source by driving current. For example, the first device can set the resonant frequencies of the first laser signal and the second laser signal in the receiver according to the default operating frequency or the operating frequency specified in the protocol, and generate a first laser signal with periodically changing frequency by driving current.

[0020] In one alternative implementation of the first aspect, the first atomic vapor cavity includes a plurality of atomic vapor cavities with different center operating frequencies, the center operating frequencies being related to the frequency of the first laser signal.

[0021] In the above implementation, since multiple atomic vapor chambers are deployed, and the center operating frequencies of different atomic vapor chambers can be different, the frequency range of the generated first laser signal is relatively large. Therefore, the frequency range of the detectable first microwave signal is also large, which increases the signal bandwidth for microwave signal detection. For example, when the first device is a Rydberg atom receiver, the above implementation can increase the signal bandwidth for microwave signal detection based on the Rydberg atom receiver.

[0022] Optionally, in this example, the receiver sets the operating frequencies of the detection laser source and the coupled laser source according to the default frequency band or the frequency band specified by the protocol, and periodically modulates the frequency detuning of the detection laser source by an acousto-optic modulator or a drive current.

[0023] In one alternative implementation of the first aspect, the first device determines the signal strength of the first microwave signal based on a first difference, wherein the first difference is the difference in frequency of the first laser signal corresponding to two adjacent signal strength peaks in the first signal strength.

[0024] Based on the above method, the signal strength of the first microwave signal can be inferred from the frequency difference of the first laser signal corresponding to two adjacent signal strength peaks, thereby enabling effective detection of the signal strength of the first microwave signal without the need for a local oscillator microwave signal source, etc.

[0025] In one alternative implementation of the first aspect, the first device determines the signal frequency of the first microwave signal based on the difference between two adjacent signal strength peaks in the first signal strength.

[0026] Based on the above method, the signal frequency of the first microwave signal can be inferred from the difference between the peak values ​​of two adjacent signal strengths, thereby enabling effective detection of the signal frequency of the first microwave signal without the need for a local oscillator microwave signal source or the like.

[0027] Optionally, the spectrum is obtained based on the first signal intensity and the frequency of the first laser signal, and then the first attribute of the first microwave signal is determined based on the spectrum.

[0028] Optionally, the vertical axis of the spectrum represents the first signal intensity, and correspondingly, the peak value of the spectrum represents the peak value of the first signal intensity. The horizontal axis of the spectrum represents the change in the frequency of the first laser signal compared to the initial frequency or the default frequency.

[0029] Optionally, the above spectrum is used to describe the correspondence between the intensity of a first signal and the frequency of the first laser signal within one or more cycles.

[0030] Optionally, the signal frequency of the first microwave signal can be determined based on the height difference between two adjacent peaks in the spectrum.

[0031] Optionally, the signal strength of the first microwave signal can be determined based on the horizontal interval corresponding to two adjacent peaks in the spectrum.

[0032] A second aspect of this application provides a communication device, which is a terminal device or a network device. The device includes a processing unit and a transceiver unit. The transceiver unit is used to receive a first microwave signal to be detected; to send a first laser signal to a first atomic vapor cavity to obtain a first signal intensity, wherein the first signal intensity is the signal intensity of the first laser signal after passing through the first atomic vapor cavity, the frequency of the first laser signal varies periodically, and the transmittance of the first atomic vapor cavity is related to the first microwave signal; the processing unit is used to determine a first attribute of the first microwave signal based on the first signal intensity and the frequency of the first laser signal, wherein the first attribute includes signal intensity or signal frequency.

[0033] In the second aspect of this application, the constituent modules of the communication device can also be used to perform the steps executed in various possible implementations of the first aspect and achieve the corresponding technical effects. For details, please refer to the first aspect, which will not be repeated here.

[0034] A third aspect of this application provides a communication device including at least one processor coupled to a memory; the memory is used to store a program or instructions; the at least one processor is used to execute the program or instructions to cause the device to implement the method described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof. Optionally, the communication device may include the memory.

[0035] A fourth aspect of this application provides a communication device including at least one logic circuit and an input / output interface; the logic circuit is used to perform the method described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0036] The fifth aspect of this application provides a communication system, which includes the aforementioned terminal equipment and network equipment.

[0037] A sixth aspect of this application provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing one or more computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by a computer, perform the method described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0038] The seventh aspect of this application provides a computer program product (or computer program) that, when executed by a computer, performs the method described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0039] The eighth aspect of this application provides a chip or chip system including at least one processor for supporting a communication device in implementing the methods described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof. For example, the chip may be a baseband chip, a modem chip, a SoC chip (such as an SoC chip containing a modem core), a SIP chip, or a communication module, etc.

[0040] In one possible design, the chip or chip system may further include a memory for storing program instructions and data necessary for the communication device. The chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices. Optionally, the chip system may also include interface circuitry that provides program instructions and / or data to the at least one processor.

[0041] The technical effects of any of the design methods in aspects two through eight can be found in the first aspect and the technical effects of any possible implementation of the first aspect, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0042] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the communication system provided in this application;

[0043] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the mobile communication system provided in this application;

[0044] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the Rydberg atom receiver provided in this application;

[0045] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the communication method provided in this application;

[0046] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the signal receiving system in the first device provided in this application;

[0047] Figure 6 Another schematic diagram of the signal receiving system in the first device provided in this application;

[0048] Figure 7 Another schematic diagram of the signal receiving system in the first device provided in this application;

[0049] Figure 8A and Figure 8B A schematic diagram of the spectrum under different microwave signal intensities provided in this application;

[0050] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the spectrum provided in this application when multiple carriers are superimposed;

[0051] Figures 10 to 14 Some schematic diagrams of the communication device provided in this application. Detailed Implementation

[0052] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0053] References to "one embodiment" or "some embodiments" in this application mean that one or more embodiments of this application include a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment. Different embodiments in this application can be reasonably combined to a certain extent. Therefore, the phrases "in one embodiment," "in some embodiments," "in other embodiments," "in still other embodiments," etc., appearing in different parts of this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but rather mean "one or more, but not all, embodiments," unless otherwise specifically emphasized. The terms "comprising," "including," "having," and variations thereof mean "including but not limited to," unless otherwise specifically emphasized. This application does not limit the order of execution of steps; different steps may or may not have an inclusion relationship.

[0054] In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, " / " means "or". For example, A / B can mean A or B. "And / or" in this document is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, and B alone. Furthermore, "at least one" means one or more, and "multiple" means two or more. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or multiple items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c; a and b; a and c; b and c; or a and b and c. Where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0055] It is understood that in this application, "instruction" can include direct instruction, indirect instruction, explicit instruction, and implicit instruction. When describing a certain instruction information to indicate A, it can be understood that the instruction information carries A, directly indicates A, or indirectly indicates A.

[0056] Optionally, from an application perspective, this application can be used in related working systems that include narrow-linewidth laser components, and future advancements in laser technology can drive the integration of such working systems.

[0057] The application scenarios of this application have been introduced above. The system architecture of this application is described below:

[0058] The technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Enhanced Data Rate for GSM Evolution (EDGE), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Code Division Multiple Access 2000 (CDMA2000), Time Division-Synchronization Code Division Multiple Access (TD-SCDMA), Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) systems, Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs), short-range wireless communication systems (such as sidelinks, wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi or WiFi), Bluetooth, etc.), wired networks, and vehicle-to-any-object communication systems. Everything, including V2X communication systems, device-to-device (D2D) communication systems, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication systems, 4th generation (4G) mobile communication systems (such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems), LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) systems, LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD) systems, Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) communication systems, 5th generation (5G) mobile communication systems (such as New Radio (NR) systems), future evolved New Radio (NR) wireless communication systems, or other similar communication systems, is not restricted.

[0059] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 1This application describes a communication system applicable to its embodiments. The communication system includes a wireless access network 100 and a core network 200. Optionally, the communication system may further include an Internet 300. Figure 1 (Using this as an example).

[0060] The wireless access network 100 may include at least one network device and at least one terminal device. For example, the wireless access network 100 includes two network devices, 110a and 110b, and terminal devices, such as 120a to 120j. Figure 1 The network architecture shown is merely illustrative; the number of terminal devices and / or network devices may be fewer or more. The communication system described in the embodiments of this application is intended to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application and does not constitute a limitation on the communication system to which the embodiments of this application apply. For example, the communication system may also include other devices, such as wireless relay devices and wireless backhaul devices, etc. Figure 1 Not shown in the diagram. Those skilled in the art will recognize that, with the evolution of network architecture, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems. When applying the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application to other communication systems, the devices, components, modules, etc., in the embodiments can be replaced with corresponding devices, components, modules in other communication systems, without limitation.

[0061] In this embodiment, network equipment refers to (radio)access network ((R)AN) equipment / RAN node. In this embodiment, (R)AN and RAN are interchangeable. RAN can be a cellular system related to the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP), such as a 5G / NR mobile communication system, or a future-oriented evolution system (e.g., a 6G mobile communication system). RAN can also be an open access network (openRAN, O-RAN, or ORAN), a cloud radio access network (CRAN), a virtualized radio access network (vRAN), a non-terrestrial network (NTN), etc. RAN can also be a communication system that integrates two or more of the above systems. RAN equipment can also be called a RAN node, RAN entity, or access node, etc.

[0062] In one possible scenario, a RAN node can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), an access point (AP), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB), or a base station in a future mobile communication system (such as a 6G mobile communication system). RAN nodes can also be macro base stations, micro base stations, indoor stations, relay nodes, donor / host nodes, or radio controllers. RAN nodes can also be servers, wearable devices, vehicles, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, in V2X technology, the RAN node can be a roadside unit (RSU).

[0063] In another possible scenario, a RAN node can be a module or unit that performs some of the functions of a base station; or multiple RAN nodes can collaborate to assist terminal devices in achieving wireless access, with different RAN nodes performing some of the functions of a base station. For example, a RAN node can be a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), or a radio unit (RU). The function of a CU can be implemented by a single entity or by different entities. For example, the function of a CU can be further divided, that is, the control plane and the user plane can be separated and implemented by different entities, namely the control plane CU entity (i.e., CU-control plane (CP) entity) and the user plane CU entity (i.e., CU-user plane (UP) entity). The CU-CP entity and the CU-UP entity can be coupled with the DU to jointly complete the function of the RAN node. The CU and DU can be set up separately or included in the same network element, such as in the baseband unit (BBU). Any of the units among the CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented by software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software modules and hardware modules.

[0064] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an ORAN system, CU can also be called O-CU (open CU), DU can also be called O-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called O-RU. For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples.

[0065] The CU and DU can be configured according to the protocol layer functions of the wireless network they implement: for example, the CU can be configured to implement the functions of the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer and above (such as the Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer and / or the Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP) layer); the DU can be configured to implement the functions of the protocol layers below the PDCP layer (such as the Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, the Media Access Control (MAC) layer, and / or the Physical (PHY) layer). For specific descriptions of the above protocol layers, please refer to the relevant 3GPP technical specifications or the technical specifications of other applicable communication protocols.

[0066] The above division of the processing functions of CU and DU according to protocol layers is merely an example; other division methods are also possible, and this application does not limit this. For example, in one design, CU or DU can be further divided into processing functions with protocol layers. In one design, some functions of the RLC layer and the functions of the protocol layer above the RLC layer are located in the CU, while the remaining functions of the RLC layer and the functions of the protocol layer below the RLC layer are located in the DU.

[0067] In another possible design, the DU and RU collaborate to implement the PHY layer functionality, or, more specifically, a portion of the PHY layer functionality of the DU can be moved to the RU. A DU can be connected to one or more RUs. The functions of the DU and RU can be configured in various ways depending on the design. For example, the DU may be configured to implement baseband functions, and the RU may be configured to implement mid-RF functions. Alternatively, the DU may be configured to implement higher-level functions in the PHY layer, and the RU may be configured to implement lower-level functions in the PHY layer, or both lower-level and RF functions. Higher-level functions in the physical layer may include a portion of the physical layer's functionality closer to the MAC layer, and lower-level functions may include another portion of the physical layer's functionality closer to the mid-RF side. This application does not limit the specific functions of the DU and RU. The interface between the DU and RU can be called a fronthaul interface. In one design, the CU may not have a PDCP layer; for example, the CU may only include an RRC layer. The CU-CP may not have PDCP-C. The CU-UP may not have PDCP-U, or may not have a CU-UP. In one design, the DU may not have an RLC layer; for example, the DU may only have a MAC and a higher PHY layer.

[0068] When the RAN is O-RAN, it can also have artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. For example, O-RAN includes an intelligent controller. The intelligent controller can be a non-real-time RAN intelligent controller (RIC / non-RT RIC / NRTRIC) or a near-real-time RAN intelligent controller (RIC / nRT RIC / nRT RIC). A non-real-time RIC can be used to implement non-real-time intelligent management of RAN functions, enabling workflows including model training and updates, and guiding applications / functions in the nRT RIC based on policies. A near-real-time RIC can be used to implement near-real-time intelligent management of the RAN. Through data collection and related operations on the E2 interface, near-real-time control and optimization of O-RAN modules and resources are achieved.

[0069] In this application embodiment, anything capable of data communication with a base station can be considered a terminal device. A terminal device is also called a terminal, terminal apparatus, user equipment (UE), mobile station, or mobile terminal, etc. Terminal devices can be widely used in various scenarios. For example, a terminal device can be: a mobile phone, computer, mobile internet device (MID), wearable device, virtual reality (VR) device, augmented reality (AR) device, base station (STA), robotic arm, camera, robot, vehicle, drone, helicopter, airplane, ship, or smart home device (e.g., television, air conditioner, robot vacuum cleaner, speaker, set-top box), relay, customer premises equipment (CPE), etc.

[0070] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the terminal device can also be a terminal device in an IoT system, such as a water meter or electricity meter. IoT is an important component of future information technology development. Its main technical characteristic is connecting objects to networks through communication technology, thereby realizing an intelligent network that enables human-machine interconnection and object-to-object interconnection.

[0071] When the terminal device is applied to V2X, it can also be called a V2X device, such as a smart car, digital car, unmanned car, driverless car, pilotless car, autonomous car, pure electric vehicle, hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), range-extended electric vehicle (REEV), plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), new energy vehicle, and roadside unit (RSU).

[0072] The various terminal devices described above, if located on a vehicle (e.g., placed / installed inside the vehicle), can all be considered in-vehicle terminal devices. In-vehicle terminal devices can be built into a vehicle's in-vehicle module, in-vehicle component, in-vehicle chip, or in-vehicle unit as one or more components or units. The vehicle can implement the methods of this application through the built-in in-vehicle module, in-vehicle component, in-vehicle chip, or in-vehicle unit. In-vehicle terminal devices can be vehicle equipment, in-vehicle modules, vehicles, on-board units (OBU), roadside units (RSU), in-vehicle systems (or in-vehicle transmitting units) (telematics boxes, T-boxes), chips, or systems on chips (SOCs), etc. These chips or SOCs can be installed in the vehicle, OBU, RSU, or T-box.

[0073] Taking a network device as a base station and a terminal device as a UE as an example, the base station and UE can be fixed or mobile. The base station and UE can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; they can also be deployed on water; and they can also be deployed on airplanes, balloons, and artificial satellites. The embodiments of this application do not limit the application scenarios of the base station and UE.

[0074] The roles of the base station and the UE can be relative, for example, Figure 1The helicopter or drone 120i can be configured as a mobile base station. For UEs 120j accessing the wireless access network 100 via 120i, UE 120i is a base station; however, for base station 110a, 120i is a UE, meaning that 110a and 120i communicate via a radio interface protocol. Of course, 110a and 120i can also communicate via a base station-to-base station interface protocol; in this case, 120i is also a base station relative to 110a. Therefore, both the base station and the UE can be collectively referred to as a communication device. Figure 1 The 110a and 110b in the text can be referred to as communication devices with base station functions. Figure 1 The 120a-120j in the text can be referred to as communication devices with UE functionality.

[0075] Please see Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a mobile communication system to which embodiments of this application apply. (As shown...) Figure 2 As shown, the mobile communication system includes core network equipment 210, radio access network equipment 220, and at least one terminal device (such as...). Figure 2 The terminal devices 230 and 240 are listed in the text. The terminal devices connect wirelessly to the wireless access network equipment, which in turn connects wirelessly or via a wired connection to the core network equipment. The core network equipment and the wireless access network equipment can be independent physical devices, or they can integrate the functions of the core network equipment and the logical functions of the wireless access network equipment onto the same physical device. Alternatively, a single physical device can integrate some of the functions of the core network equipment and some of the functions of the wireless access network equipment. The terminal devices can be fixed in location or mobile. Figure 2 This is just an illustration; the communication system may also include other network devices, such as wireless repeaters and wireless backhaul devices. Figure 2 Not shown in the diagram. The embodiments of this application do not limit the number of core network devices, radio access network devices, and terminal devices included in the mobile communication system.

[0076] A wireless access network device is an access device that enables a terminal device to access a mobile communication system wirelessly. Wireless access network devices can be base stations (NodeBs), evolved NodeBs (eNodeBs), base stations in 5G mobile communication systems, base stations in future mobile communication systems, or access nodes in WiFi systems, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technologies or device forms used in the wireless access network devices.

[0077] Terminal devices can also be called terminals, user units (UEs), mobile stations (MS), mobile terminals (MTs), etc. Terminal devices can include mobile phones, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, VR terminal devices, AR terminal devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in autonomous driving, wireless terminals in remote surgery, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, and wireless terminals in smart homes, etc.

[0078] Wireless access network equipment and terminal equipment can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; they can also be deployed on water; and they can also be deployed in the air on aircraft, balloons, and satellites. The embodiments of this application do not limit the application scenarios of the wireless access network equipment and terminal equipment.

[0079] The embodiments of this application can be applied to downlink signal transmission, uplink signal transmission, and device-to-device (D2D) signal transmission. For downlink signal transmission, the transmitting device is a wireless access network device, and the corresponding receiving device is a terminal device. For uplink signal transmission, the transmitting device is a terminal device, and the corresponding receiving device is a wireless access network device. For D2D signal transmission, both the transmitting and receiving devices are terminal devices. The embodiments of this application do not limit the direction of signal transmission.

[0080] Communication between wireless access network devices and terminal devices, as well as between terminal devices, can be conducted using licensed spectrum, unlicensed spectrum, or a combination of both. Communication between wireless access network devices and terminal devices, as well as between terminal devices, can be conducted using spectrum below 6 GHz, spectrum above 6 GHz, or a combination of both. The embodiments of this application do not limit the spectrum resources used between wireless access network devices and terminal devices.

[0081] The communication system applicable to the embodiments of this application has been described above. To facilitate understanding of the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this application, the relevant technical features involved in the embodiments of this application will be explained below. It should be noted that these explanations are intended to make the embodiments of this application easier to understand and should not be considered as limiting the scope of protection claimed by this application.

[0082] (1) Rydberg atom

[0083] Rydberg atoms, also known as highly excited atoms, are atoms in which the valence electrons are excited to a high quantum state (with a very large principal quantum number n). Their valence electrons are far from the atomic core, and their energy level structure is similar to that of a hydrogen atom. The study of highly excited states is a new topic in atomic physics, significant for both fundamental research and applied development in the field.

[0084] Rydberg atoms possess abundant energy level resources, a wide operating frequency range, enormous transition dipole moments and polarizability, and coherence times on the order of hundreds of microseconds. These properties make Rydberg atoms one of the important systems for realizing quantum computing and quantum precision measurement. Rydberg atoms exhibit extremely strong microwave transition electric dipole moments and polarizability, making them highly sensitive to external electromagnetic fields. Utilizing atomic quantum coherence effects, high-precision and high-sensitivity measurements of electromagnetic fields over an ultra-wideband frequency range can be achieved. The immense potential shown by Rydberg atoms in precision measurement makes them highly promising for applications in improving measurement accuracy, enhancing stability, and promoting equipment miniaturization.

[0085] Rydberg atoms can be applied to radio networks. For example, related research has conducted IoT network tests based on Rydberg atom antennas, aiming to miniaturize devices and find optimal RF modulation and signal processing methods for future generations of radio networks.

[0086] (2) Rydberg Atomic Receiver

[0087] A Rydberg atomic receiver is an instrument used to receive microwave signals. It utilizes optical principles to analyze these signals. The principle of a Rydberg atomic receiver is primarily based on the interaction between atoms or molecules and light; the energy levels of atoms or molecules change under different energies of light excitation. The Rydberg atomic receiver uses this principle to determine the properties of microwave signals by analyzing the optical signals.

[0088] like Figure 3 As shown, the atomic gas within the atomic vapor cavity partially enters the Rydberg state under the combined excitation of the probe laser and the coupling laser. Due to the action of the dichroic mirror, only the probe laser passes through the atomic vapor cavity and enters the photodetector. In this scheme, the photodetector can detect the laser power, which corresponds to the transmittance of the atomic gas medium. Furthermore, by applying a microwave electric field of a specific frequency, the distribution of atomic states will change, and the transmittance of the gas medium will also change. Using theoretical analysis, the received microwave electric field intensity can be calculated based on the laser power detected by the photodetector.

[0089] As mentioned earlier, Rydberg atomic receivers are increasingly widely used, for example in cellular communications, satellite communications, and laser communications. Rydberg atomic receivers can enhance the detection capability of communication signals, enabling high-speed, low-error-rate data transmission. The basic working principle of a Rydberg atomic receiver is as follows: two laser sources are used to excite the atomic medium to a state sensitive to external electric fields; the external electric field alters the state distribution of the atoms; by detecting the optical properties of the atomic vapor medium, such as transmittance and refractive index, information about the microwave electric field can be calculated, for example, the intensity of the microwave electric field can be calculated.

[0090] When detecting microwave electric fields, signal recovery can be performed using transmitted laser spectroscopy based on the electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) effect. However, when the atomic medium is excited to a state sensitive to external electric fields using a laser source, the signal bandwidth is limited by factors such as the system relaxation time, resulting in a smaller signal bandwidth for microwave signal detection.

[0091] To address the aforementioned problems, this application provides relevant technical solutions, which are described in detail in the following embodiments.

[0092] In the embodiments of this application, the executing entity can be a first device, a communication module within the first device, or a circuit or chip within the first device responsible for communication functions. For example, in the embodiments of this application, the first device can be a terminal device or a network device. Optionally, the terminal device or network device can be a portable device. For example, the first device in this application can be a receiver, such as a Rydberg atomic receiver. The following description uses the first device as the executing entity. When the first device is a network device, the receiving (or detecting) / transmitting of the communication module, circuit, or chip in the network device can be understood as input / output, that is, the communication module, circuit, or chip communicates with other components in the network device. Furthermore, the processing performed by a single executing entity can also be divided into multiple executing entities, which can be logically and / or physically separated. For example, the processing performed by the network device can be divided into at least one of CU, DU, RU, etc.

[0093] The technical solution of this application is described below with reference to specific embodiments.

[0094] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the communication method described in this application. Please refer to... Figure 4 The method includes the following steps.

[0095] S401: The first device receives the first microwave signal to be detected;

[0096] Optionally, the first microwave signal to be detected refers to the first attribute of the first microwave signal that the first device needs to detect or examine, and the first attribute includes signal strength or signal frequency.

[0097] Optionally, the first microwave signal includes an amplitude-shift keying (ASK) signal.

[0098] Optionally, the first microwave signal may include one or more microwave signals. For example, the first microwave signal may include a single-carrier signal or a multi-carrier signal. For example, the first microwave signal may include multiple single-carrier signals with the same or different frequencies; for example, it may include multiple single-carrier signals with different detuning frequencies, such as the signal frequencies of these multiple single-carrier signals being f1, f2, f3, f4, f5, f6, f7, f8, f9, f10, f11, f21, f12 ... c -2Δf,f c -Δf,f c +Δf,f c +2Δf. For example, the first microwave signal mentioned above can also include multiple multicarrier signals.

[0099] Optionally, after receiving the first microwave signal, the first microwave signal may affect the transmittance of the atomic vapor cavity of the first device. Specifically, the first microwave signal may affect the atomic distribution in the atomic vapor cavity, change the transmittance of the atomic medium, thereby affecting the transmission of the first laser signal in the atomic vapor cavity, and consequently the signal intensity of the first laser signal that passes through the atomic vapor cavity, i.e., the first signal intensity.

[0100] Optionally, the first microwave signal can be transmitted by a transmitter and then received by a first device.

[0101] S402: The first device sends a first laser signal to the atomic vapor cavity to obtain a first signal intensity;

[0102] The first signal intensity is the signal intensity of the first laser signal after passing through the atomic vapor cavity. The frequency of the first laser signal changes periodically, and the transmittance of the atomic vapor cavity is related to the first microwave signal.

[0103] Optionally, the first laser signal can be transmitted by a detection laser source in the first device, and the first laser signal is used to detect the first microwave signal.

[0104] Optionally, the transmittance of the atomic vapor cavity is related to the signal frequency and signal strength of the first microwave signal.

[0105] Optionally, the transmittance of the atomic vapor cavity is related to the signal frequency and signal intensity of the first laser signal.

[0106] Optionally, the transmittance of the atomic vapor cavity is related to the signal frequency and signal intensity of the second laser signal; optionally, the second laser signal can be a coupled laser signal.

[0107] For example, the wavelength of the first laser signal is about 852 nm. In the first device, there is also a coupled laser source that can send a second laser signal with a wavelength of about 509 nm. Some atoms in the atomic vapor cavity enter a highly excited state, i.e., the Rydberg state, under the combined excitation of the first and second laser signals.

[0108] For example, the wavelength of the first laser signal can be approximately 780 nm. The first device also contains a coupled laser source that can send a second laser signal with a wavelength of approximately 480 nm. Some atoms in the atomic vapor cavity enter a highly excited state, i.e., a Rydberg state, under the combined excitation of the first and second laser signals.

[0109] Optionally, the first microwave signal can be transmitted through the atomic vapor cavity, and then the photodetector in the first device receives the first microwave signal after it has passed through the atomic vapor cavity, and then the signal intensity of the first laser signal after it has passed through the atomic vapor cavity can be detected.

[0110] Optionally, the atomic vapor chamber described above can be the atomic vapor chamber in a Rydberg atomic receiver.

[0111] In one alternative implementation, the frequency variation period of the first laser signal is related to the transmission period of the first microwave signal.

[0112] In the above implementation, since the frequency variation period of the first laser signal is related to the transmission period of the first microwave signal, that is, the frequency variation period of the first laser signal is adapted to the transmission period of the first microwave signal, this is beneficial for acquiring periodic spectra, thereby better detecting the signal strength or signal frequency of the first microwave signal.

[0113] Optionally, as described above, the first device receives the first microwave signal. The first microwave signal causes a change in the state of the atomic medium in the atomic vapor cavity, affecting the transmittance of the atomic vapor cavity, and thus changing the transmission of the first laser signal in the atomic vapor cavity, thereby affecting the signal intensity of the first laser signal after passing through the atomic vapor cavity. Microwave signals of different intensities or frequencies may have different effects on the state of the atomic medium in the atomic vapor cavity, and therefore may have different effects on the signal intensity of the first laser signal passing through the atomic vapor cavity. Therefore, the signal intensity and / or frequency of the first microwave signal can be determined based on the signal intensity of the first laser signal passing through the atomic vapor cavity.

[0114] Optionally, this application provides various methods for transmitting the first laser signal, as shown in the following examples:

[0115] Example 1: Modulate the first laser signal using an acousto-optic modulator.

[0116] In one alternative implementation, the first device transmits a radio frequency signal to drive an acousto-optic modulator; the frequency of the first laser signal is modulated by the acousto-optic modulator, and the frequency of the radio frequency signal is detuned to the same frequency as the first laser signal.

[0117] In the above implementation, the frequency of the first laser signal is modulated by an acousto-optic modulator. The acousto-optic modulator has a larger modulation bandwidth, and the frequency of the first laser signal after modulation can be changed, and the amplitude of the frequency change is large, so as to better detect the signal strength or signal frequency of the first microwave signal.

[0118] Optionally, the radio frequency signal can be a sinusoidal signal.

[0119] Optionally, when the radio frequency signal source driving the acousto-optic modulator can transmit a radio frequency signal, for example, a sinusoidal signal with a frequency of f0, the corresponding frequency detuning of the first laser signal is f0, that is, the frequency change of the first laser signal is f0. Therefore, by changing the frequency of the radio frequency signal and then modulating the first laser signal through the acousto-optic modulator, the detection laser source can generate a first laser signal with a periodically changing frequency.

[0120] by Figure 5 For example, Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the signal receiving system in the first device. Figure 5 The signal receiving system in Figure 3 An acousto-optic modulator is introduced based on the signal receiving system. Some atoms in the atomic vapor cavity enter a highly excited state under the combined excitation of the first and second laser signals. The first microwave signal causes a change in the external electric field of the atomic vapor cavity, which in turn causes a change in the state of the atomic medium, thereby altering the transmission of the first laser signal and affecting the first signal intensity of the first laser signal that ultimately passes through the atomic vapor cavity. This signal intensity is then detected by a photodetector.

[0121] Optionally, the first device can set the operating frequencies of the detection laser source and the coupled laser source according to the default frequency band, and periodically modulate the frequency detuning of the detection laser source through an acousto-optic modulator.

[0122] Optionally, in Example 1, the transmitter operates at a frequency f according to the default or protocol-specified frequency. c Transmitting carrier frequency f at the specified symbol rate cThe first microwave signal ±kΔf, k∈Z, where Δf is a relative f c A very small frequency offset, for example, Δf can be 1MHz. For example, the first microwave signal can be an ASK signal, and the first device operates at a default or protocol-specified frequency f. c The resonant frequencies of the first and second laser signals in the Rydberg atomic receiver are set, and a first laser signal with periodically changing frequency is generated by an acousto-optic modulator. The first device acquires the spectrum within each symbol period and determines the first attribute of the first microwave signal based on the spectrum.

[0123] Example 2: Modulate the first laser signal by driving current.

[0124] In one alternative implementation, the first device transmits the first laser signal via a first light source, the driving current of which varies periodically.

[0125] In the above implementation, the frequency of the first laser signal can be periodically changed by the periodic change of the driving current. Furthermore, the hardware structure corresponding to the driving current is simple, and the system complexity is lower. With minimal impact on the system complexity and hardware structure of the first device, a variable-frequency first laser signal can be transmitted, thereby detecting the signal strength and / or signal frequency of the first microwave signal through this first laser signal.

[0126] Optionally, the aforementioned driving current can be the current applied to excite or drive the probe laser source.

[0127] by Figure 6 For example, Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the signal receiving system in the first device. Example 2 uses a driving current to generate a first laser signal with a periodically changing frequency. When the driving current of the probe laser source changes periodically, the frequency of the corresponding first laser signal changes periodically.

[0128] Optionally, the first device can set the operating frequencies of the detection laser source and the coupled laser source according to a default frequency band, and periodically modulate the frequency detuning of the detection laser source by driving current. For example, the first device can set the resonant frequencies of the first laser signal and the second laser signal in the receiver according to the default operating frequency or the operating frequency specified in the protocol, and generate a first laser signal with periodically changing frequency by driving current.

[0129] Optionally, in Example 2, the transmitter operates at a frequency f according to the default or protocol-specified frequency. c Transmitting carrier frequency f at the specified symbol rate c The first microwave signal ±kΔf, k∈Z, where Δf is a relative f cA very small frequency offset, for example, Δf can be 1MHz. For example, the first microwave signal can be an ASK signal, and the first device operates at a default or protocol-specified frequency f. c The resonant frequencies of the first and second laser signals in the Rydberg atom receiver are set, and a first laser signal with periodically changing frequency is generated by driving current. The first device acquires the spectrum within each symbol period and determines the first attribute of the first microwave signal based on the spectrum.

[0130] Example 3: A first laser signal with varying frequency is generated by deploying multiple atomic vapor chambers.

[0131] In one alternative implementation, the first atomic vapor cavity includes multiple atomic vapor cavities with different center operating frequencies, the center operating frequency being related to the frequency of the first laser signal.

[0132] In the above implementation, since multiple atomic vapor chambers are deployed, and the center operating frequencies of different atomic vapor chambers can be different, the frequency range of the generated first laser signal is relatively large. Therefore, the frequency range of the detectable first microwave signal is also large, which increases the signal bandwidth for microwave signal detection. For example, when the first device is a Rydberg atom receiver, the above implementation can increase the signal bandwidth for microwave signal detection based on the Rydberg atom receiver.

[0133] by Figure 7 For example, Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the signal receiving system in the first device. Example 3 demonstrates how a method for constructing an atomic vapor cavity array can simultaneously detect microwave signals over a wide frequency range; for example, the bandwidth of the detectable microwave signals can be 10 GHz. Figure 7 As shown, by setting different frequencies of the first laser signal, the center operating frequency of each atomic vapor cavity can be set to f1, f2, ..., f1 respectively. N For each center frequency point f i It can also perform f at different detuning frequencies. i Microwave signal detection of ±kΔf, k∈Z, where Δf is a relative f i A very small frequency offset, for example, Δf can be 1MHz.

[0134] Optionally, in this example, the receiver sets the operating frequencies of the detection laser source and the coupled laser source according to the default frequency band or the frequency band specified by the protocol, and periodically modulates the frequency detuning of the detection laser source by an acousto-optic modulator or a drive current.

[0135] Optionally, in this example, the transmitter operates at the default (or protocol-specified) frequencies f1, f2, ..., f. NTransmit carrier frequency f at the specified symbol rate i The first microwave signal ±kΔf, k∈Z, where Δf is a relative f i A very small frequency offset, for example, Δf can be 1MHz, and the first microwave signal can be an ASK signal, which the first device receives. Optionally, the first device can operate at a default frequency or a frequency f1, f2, ..., f specified in the protocol. N The resonant frequencies of the first and second laser signals in the Rydberg atom receiver are set, and a first laser signal with periodically varying frequency is generated by an acousto-optic modulator or a driving current. The first device acquires the spectrum within each symbol period and determines a first attribute of the first microwave signal based on the spectrum. Optionally, the first device can utilize joint signal processing to reduce interference between signals.

[0136] Optionally, in addition to Examples 1, 2, and 3, the detection of the first microwave signal can also be achieved by adjusting the coupled laser source, for example, by modulating the frequency of the second laser signal; or by controlling the wavelength of the first laser signal and / or the second laser signal, for example, by adding a corresponding module to control the wavelength of the first laser signal and / or the second laser signal and integrating the module into the laser power supply control module; or by adjusting the operating frequency of the laser source, adjusting the sensor array, etc.

[0137] It should be noted that this application does not limit the execution order of S402 and S401. The first device can execute S402 first, and then S401, that is, send the first laser signal first, and then receive the first microwave signal. For example, before step S401, the first device can calculate the corresponding frequencies of the first laser signal and the second laser signal based on the default operating frequency fc, and then turn on the detection laser source and the coupling laser source, wherein the detection laser source is used to send the first laser signal, and the coupling laser source is used to send the second laser signal. At this time, the frequency of the first laser signal is a fixed value. Then, the first device sets the frequency variation period of the first laser signal according to the transmission period of the first microwave signal. At this time, the first device can transmit radio frequency signals through an acousto-optic modulator, or drive the first light source through a driving current. This first light source can be the detection laser source, and then the frequency of the first laser signal begins to change periodically. Subsequently, the first device can receive the first microwave signal and detect the first attribute of the first microwave signal.

[0138] S403: The first device determines the first attribute of the first microwave signal based on the first signal strength and the frequency of the first laser signal.

[0139] The first attribute includes signal strength or signal frequency.

[0140] Optionally, the first attribute is a property related to the first microwave signal. The first attribute can be signal strength, signal frequency, or both signal strength and signal frequency. The first attribute can also be other properties related to the first microwave signal.

[0141] This application provides several alternative methods for determining the first attribute.

[0142] Method 1: The first device determines the signal strength of the first microwave signal based on the first difference, where the first difference is the difference in frequency of the first laser signal corresponding to two adjacent signal strength peaks in the first signal strength.

[0143] Based on the above method, the signal strength of the first microwave signal can be inferred from the frequency difference of the first laser signal corresponding to two adjacent signal strength peaks, thereby enabling effective detection of the signal strength of the first microwave signal without the need for a local oscillator microwave signal source, etc.

[0144] Method 2: The first device determines the signal frequency of the first microwave signal based on the difference between the peak values ​​of two adjacent signal strengths in the first signal strength.

[0145] Based on the above method, the signal frequency of the first microwave signal can be inferred from the difference between the peak values ​​of two adjacent signal strengths, thereby enabling effective detection of the signal frequency of the first microwave signal without the need for a local oscillator microwave signal source or the like.

[0146] It should be noted that the first device can determine the first attribute of the first microwave signal using only method 1 or only method 2, or the first device can determine the first attribute of the first microwave signal using both method 1 and method 2. For example, the first device can determine the signal strength of the first microwave signal based on the first difference, and determine the signal frequency of the first microwave signal based on the difference between two adjacent signal strength peaks in the first signal strength.

[0147] This application provides an optional method for detecting a first attribute of a first microwave signal, namely, obtaining a spectrum based on the first signal intensity and the frequency of the first laser signal, and then determining the first attribute of the first microwave signal based on the spectrum.

[0148] Optionally, this application modulates a first laser signal to periodically change its frequency. The amount of frequency change of the first laser signal corresponds to the horizontal axis of the spectrum. When a microwave signal is received, this microwave signal affects the signal intensity of the first laser signal transmitted through the atomic vapor cavity, and the signal intensity of the first laser signal corresponds to the vertical axis of the spectrum. Then, the complete spectrum is acquired, and the first attribute of the first microwave signal can be determined based on the spectrum. Figure 8AFor example, the vertical axis of the spectrum represents the first signal intensity, and correspondingly, the peak value of the spectrum represents the peak value of the first signal intensity. The horizontal axis of the spectrum represents the change in the frequency of the first laser signal compared to the initial frequency or default frequency. For example, when the horizontal axis is -2.5MHz, it means that the frequency of the first laser signal is 2.5MHz lower than the initial frequency or default frequency. For example, when the horizontal axis is 5MHz, it means that the frequency of the first laser signal is 5MHz higher than the initial frequency or default frequency.

[0149] Optionally, the first attribute of the first microwave signal can be determined in this application based on the following principle:

[0150] ① The signal intensity of the microwave signal determines the horizontal spacing between two adjacent peaks in the spectrum. This horizontal spacing is the horizontal distance between points on the horizontal axis corresponding to the two adjacent peaks, which is the difference in frequency change between them. This frequency change is the change in the frequency of the first laser signal compared to the initial or default frequency. Within each frequency band, the response pattern of the horizontal spacing between two adjacent peaks in the spectrum corresponding to microwave signals of different frequencies is the same.

[0151] ②The frequency of the microwave signal determines the size of the peaks in the spectrum and the difference between two adjacent peaks.

[0152] ③ When microwave signal intensities are the same, the higher the detuning frequency of the microwave signal, the greater the difference between two adjacent peaks in the spectrum. When signals of different frequencies are superimposed, the horizontal distance between two adjacent peaks in the spectrum increases.

[0153] Optionally, the above spectrum can be a transmission spectrum.

[0154] Optionally, the above spectrum is used to describe the correspondence between the first signal intensity and the frequency of the first laser signal within one or more periods. Optionally, the one or more periods can be a symbol period. As mentioned above, the first laser signal changes periodically. Assuming the first laser signal changes according to a first period, the spectrum includes the correspondence between the changes in all frequencies of the first laser signal relative to the initial frequency or default frequency within the first period and the first signal intensity. For example, within the first period, the changes in the frequency of the first laser signal relative to the initial frequency or default frequency include: -10MHz, -7.5MHz, -5MHz, -2.5MHz, 0MHz, 2.5MHz, 5MHz, 7.5MHz, and 10MHz. Then, the first spectrum is used to describe the correspondence between -10MHz, -7.5MHz, -5MHz, -2.5MHz, 0MHz, 2.5MHz, 5MHz, 7.5MHz, and 10MHz and the first signal intensity.

[0155] Optionally, the signal frequency of the first microwave signal can be determined based on the height difference between two adjacent peaks in the spectrum.

[0156] Optionally, the signal strength of the first microwave signal can be determined based on the horizontal interval corresponding to two adjacent peaks in the spectrum.

[0157] For example, taking rubidium-85 atoms as the atoms in the atomic vapor cavity, with a principal quantum number of n = 56 and a microwave resonant frequency of 12.01 GHz as an example. Figure 8A The spectra of the first microwave signal with different signal intensities were measured when the frequency detuning of the first microwave signal was 1 MHz. Figure 8B The spectra of the first microwave signal with different signal intensities were obtained when the frequency detuning of the first microwave signal was 5MHz.

[0158] Please see Figure 8A When the signal intensity of the first microwave signal is different, the horizontal intervals corresponding to the peaks in the spectrum are different. That is, the differences in the changes in the frequency of the first laser signal corresponding to the peaks in the spectrum are different. For example, when the signal intensity of the first microwave signal is 0.5 V / m, the difference in the changes in the frequency of the first laser signal corresponding to the peaks in the spectrum is small, while when the signal intensity of the first microwave signal is 1 V / m, the difference in the changes in the frequency of the first laser signal corresponding to the peaks in the spectrum is large. Similarly, Figure 8B In this context, when the signal intensity of the first microwave signal is different, the peaks in the spectrum correspond to different horizontal intervals, that is, the difference in the change in frequency of the first laser signal corresponding to the peaks in the spectrum is different.

[0159] Please see Figure 8A and Figure 8B When the detuning frequencies of the first microwave signals are different and the signal strengths of the first microwave signals are the same, the horizontal peak spacing of the spectrum is the same, but the height difference between two adjacent peaks corresponding to the same electric field strength in the spectrum is different. (Comparison) Figure 8A and Figure 8B It can be observed that as the detuning frequency of the first microwave signal increases, the height difference between the two peaks in the spectrum increases under the same electric field strength. Therefore, the frequency of the first microwave signal can be determined based on the height difference between two adjacent peaks in the spectrum under the same electric field strength.

[0160] Figure 8A and Figure 8B One spectrum is used to describe the case where the first microwave signal has a single frequency. In this application, the spectrum can also be used to describe the case where the first microwave signal has multiple detuning frequencies. Accordingly, the first device can detect the first attribute of multiple microwave signals through the first laser signal. Please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 9When the first microwave signal is a single-carrier signal with four different detuning frequencies, the signal frequencies of these four single-carrier signals are f1, f2, f3, f4, f5, f6, f7, f8, f9, f10, f c -2Δf,f c -Δf,f c +Δf,f c +2Δf, where Δf is a relative f c A very small frequency offset, for example, Δf can be 1 MHz. Taking the state where the atoms in the atomic vapor cavity are rubidium-85 atoms and the principal quantum number n = 56 as an example, the microwave resonant frequency is f. c Taking a frequency of 12.01 GHz and a Δf of 1 MHz as an example, the "on" and "off" states of a single carrier signal are represented by bits "1" and "0". A four-bit state representation is defined sequentially, where "0000" represents all off and "1111" represents all on, resulting in 16 decimal states: 0000, 1000, 0100, 0010, 0001, 1100, 1010, 1001, 0110, 0101, 0011, 1110, 1101, 1011, 0111, and 1111. Figure 9 As shown, in the "0000" state without a carrier wave, the spectrum has a single-peak structure. After adding a carrier wave, the spectrum becomes a double-peak structure, and the peak spacing in the spectrum changes with the increase of the number of carrier waves. For different states where the number of single-carrier signals in the "on" state is equal, but the frequencies of the single-carrier signals in the "on" state differ, such as states 1100, 1010, and 1001, the different states can be distinguished based on the peak size and height difference in the spectrum.

[0161] Therefore, this application fully utilizes the spectral characteristics of Rydberg atoms at specific microwave frequencies to design a relatively simple and direct method for detecting the properties of microwave signals. This application utilizes the height difference between two peaks in the spectrum and the corresponding frequency difference of the laser signal to effectively detect the signal frequency and signal intensity of microwave signals without requiring a local oscillator microwave signal source. Therefore, it can directly detect single-carrier and multi-carrier microwave signals of different amplitudes, effectively improving the signal bandwidth of microwave signal detection based on Rydberg atom receivers. In this application, the signal frequency of the microwave signal can be determined based on the height difference between two peaks in the spectrum, and the signal intensity of the microwave signal can be determined based on the horizontal interval corresponding to the two peaks in the spectrum.

[0162] Please see Figure 10This application provides a communication device 1000, which can realize the functions of the terminal device (or network device) in the above method embodiments, and therefore can also achieve the beneficial effects of the above method embodiments. In this application embodiment, the communication device 1000 can be a terminal device (or network device), or it can be an integrated circuit or component inside the terminal device (or network device), such as a chip, baseband chip, modem chip, SoC chip (e.g., an SoC chip containing a modem core), SIP chip, communication module, chip system, processor, etc.

[0163] It should be noted that the transceiver unit 1002 may include a transmitting unit and a receiving unit, which are used to perform transmitting and receiving respectively.

[0164] In one possible implementation, when the device 1000 is used for performing Figure 4 When the terminal device in the related embodiments executes the method, the device 1000 includes a processing unit 1001 and a transceiver unit 1002; the transceiver unit 1002 is used to receive a first microwave signal to be detected; send a first laser signal to a first atomic vapor cavity to obtain a first signal intensity, the first signal intensity being the signal intensity of the first laser signal after passing through the first atomic vapor cavity, the frequency of the first laser signal changing periodically, and the transmittance of the first atomic vapor cavity being related to the first microwave signal; the processing unit 1001 is used to determine a first attribute of the first microwave signal based on the first signal intensity and the frequency of the first laser signal, the first attribute including signal intensity or signal frequency.

[0165] In one possible design, when the communication device 1000 is a terminal device or a communication module within a terminal, the function of the processing unit 1001 can be implemented by one or more processors. Specifically, the processor may include a modem chip, a SoC chip (such as a SoC chip containing a modem core), or a SIP chip. The function of the transceiver unit 1002 can be implemented by transceiver circuitry.

[0166] In one possible design, when the communication device 1000 is a circuit or chip in a terminal responsible for communication functions, such as a modem chip, a SoC chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core, the function of the processing unit 1001 can be implemented by a circuit system in the aforementioned chip that includes one or more processors or processor cores. The function of the transceiver unit 1002 can be implemented by the interface circuit or data transceiver circuit on the aforementioned chip.

[0167] It should be noted that the information execution process of the unit of the above-mentioned communication device 1000 can be specifically described in the method embodiment shown above in this application, and will not be repeated here.

[0168] Please see Figure 11 This is another schematic structural diagram of the communication device 1100 provided in this application. The communication device 1100 includes a logic circuit 1101 and an input / output interface 1102. The communication device 1100 can be a chip or an integrated circuit.

[0169] in, Figure 10 The transceiver unit 1002 shown can be a communication interface, which can be... Figure 11 The input / output interface 1102 may include an input interface and an output interface. Alternatively, the communication interface may also be a transceiver circuit, which may include an input interface circuit and an output interface circuit.

[0170] In one possible implementation, when the device 1100 is for performing Figure 4 When the terminal device in the related embodiments executes the method, the device 1100 includes the logic circuit 1101; the input / output interface is used to receive a first microwave signal to be detected; send a first laser signal to a first atomic vapor cavity to obtain a first signal intensity, the first signal intensity being the signal intensity of the first laser signal after passing through the first atomic vapor cavity, the frequency of the first laser signal changing periodically, and the transmittance of the first atomic vapor cavity being related to the first microwave signal; the logic circuit 1101 is used to determine a first attribute of the first microwave signal based on the first signal intensity and the frequency of the first laser signal, the first attribute including signal intensity or signal frequency.

[0171] The logic circuit 1101 and the input / output interface 1102 can also perform other steps executed by the communication device in the previous embodiment and achieve corresponding beneficial effects, which will not be described in detail here.

[0172] In one possible implementation, Figure 10 The processing unit 1001 shown can be Figure 11 The logic circuit 1101 in the middle.

[0173] Optionally, the logic circuit 1101 can be a processing device, the functions of which can be partially or entirely implemented in software.

[0174] Optionally, the processing apparatus may include a memory and a processor, wherein the memory is used to store a computer program, and the processor reads and executes the computer program stored in the memory to perform the corresponding processing and / or steps in any of the method embodiments.

[0175] Optionally, the processing device may consist of only a processor. Memory for storing computer programs is located outside the processing device, and the processor is connected to the memory via circuitry / wires to read and execute the computer programs stored in the memory. The memory and processor may be integrated together or physically independent of each other.

[0176] Optionally, the processing device may be one or more chips, or one or more integrated circuits. For example, the processing device may be one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), system-on-a-chip (SoCs), central processing units (CPUs), network processors (NPs), digital signal processors (DSPs), microcontroller units (MCUs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), or other integrated chips, or any combination of the above chips or processors.

[0177] Please see Figure 12 The communication device 1200 mentioned in the above embodiments provided for the embodiments of this application can specifically be the communication device that serves as a terminal device in the above embodiments. Figure 12 The example shown illustrates how a terminal device can be implemented through a terminal device (or a component within a terminal device).

[0178] The present invention provides a possible logical structure diagram of the communication device 1200, which may include, but is not limited to, at least one processor 1201 and a communication port 1202.

[0179] in, Figure 10 The transceiver unit 1002 shown can be a communication interface, which can be... Figure 12 The communication port 1202 may include an input interface and an output interface. Alternatively, the communication port 1202 may also be a transceiver circuit, which may include an input interface circuit and an output interface circuit.

[0180] Further optionally, the device may also include at least one of a memory 1203 and a bus 1204. In the embodiments of this application, the at least one processor 1201 is used to control the operation of the communication device 1200.

[0181] Furthermore, the processor 1201 can be a central processing unit, a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. It can implement or execute the various exemplary logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in conjunction with the disclosure of this application. The processor can also be a combination that implements computational functions, such as a combination of one or more microprocessors, a combination of a digital signal processor and a microprocessor, etc. Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0182] It should be noted that, Figure 12 The communication device 1200 shown can be used to implement the steps implemented by the terminal device in the aforementioned method embodiments, and to achieve the corresponding technical effects of the terminal device. Figure 12 The specific implementation of the communication device shown can be referred to the description in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0183] Please see Figure 13 The above-described embodiments of the communication device 1300, provided as an example of the present application, are structural schematic diagrams. Specifically, the communication device 1300 can be a network device as described in the above embodiments. Figure 13 The example shown illustrates a network device implemented through a network device (or a component within a network device). The structure of this communication device can be referenced. Figure 13 The structure shown.

[0184] The communication device 1300 includes at least one processor 1311 and at least one interface 1314. Optionally, the communication device further includes at least one memory 1312, at least one transceiver 1313, and one or more antennas 1315. The processor 1311, memory 1312, transceiver 1313, and interface 1314 are connected, for example, via a bus. In this embodiment, the connection may include various interfaces, transmission lines, or buses, etc., and this embodiment is not limited thereto. The antenna 1315 is connected to the transceiver 1313. The interface 1314 enables the communication device to communicate with other communication devices through a communication link. For example, the interface 1314 may include a network interface between the communication device and a core network device, such as an S1 interface. The network interface may also include a network interface between the communication device and other communication devices (e.g., other network devices or core network devices), such as an X2 or Xn interface.

[0185] in, Figure 10 The transceiver unit 1002 shown can be a communication interface, which can be... Figure 13 The interface 1314 in the diagram may include an input interface and an output interface. Alternatively, the interface 1314 may also be a transceiver circuit, which may include an input interface circuit and an output interface circuit.

[0186] The processor 1311 is mainly used to process communication protocols and communication data, control the entire communication device, execute software programs, and process data from the software programs, for example, to support the communication device in performing the actions described in the embodiments. The communication device may include a baseband processor and a central processing unit. The baseband processor is mainly used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the central processing unit is mainly used to control the entire terminal device, execute software programs, and process data from the software programs. Figure 13 The processor 1311 can integrate the functions of a baseband processor and a central processing unit. Those skilled in the art will understand that the baseband processor and the central processing unit can also be independent processors interconnected via technologies such as buses. Those skilled in the art will understand that a terminal device can include multiple baseband processors to adapt to different network standards, and a terminal device can include multiple central processing units to enhance its processing capabilities. The various components of the terminal device can be connected via various buses. The baseband processor can also be described as a baseband processing circuit or a baseband processing chip. The central processing unit can also be described as a central processing circuit or a central processing chip. The function of processing communication protocols and communication data can be built into the processor or stored in memory as a software program, with the processor executing the software program to implement the baseband processing function.

[0187] The memory is primarily used to store software programs and data. The memory 1312 can exist independently or be connected to the processor 1311. Optionally, the memory 1312 can be integrated with the processor 1311, for example, integrated into a single chip. The memory 1312 can store program code that executes the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and its execution is controlled by the processor 1311. The various types of computer program code being executed can also be considered as drivers for the processor 1311.

[0188] Figure 13 Only one memory and one processor are shown. In actual terminal devices, there may be multiple processors and multiple memories. Memory can also be called storage medium or storage device, etc. Memory can be a storage element on the same chip as the processor, i.e., an on-chip storage element, or it can be a separate storage element; this application does not limit this.

[0189] Transceiver 1313 can be used to support the reception or transmission of radio frequency (RF) signals between a communication device and a terminal. Transceiver 1313 can be connected to antenna 1315. Transceiver 1313 includes a transmitter Tx and a receiver Rx. Specifically, one or more antennas 1315 can receive RF signals. The receiver Rx of transceiver 1313 receives the RF signals from the antennas, converts the RF signals into digital baseband signals or digital intermediate frequency (IF) signals, and provides the digital baseband signals or IF signals to processor 1311 so that processor 1311 can perform further processing on the digital baseband signals or IF signals, such as demodulation and decoding. Furthermore, the transmitter Tx in transceiver 1313 is also used to receive modulated digital baseband signals or IF signals from processor 1311, convert the modulated digital baseband signals or IF signals into RF signals, and transmit the RF signals through one or more antennas 1315. Specifically, the receiver Rx can selectively perform one or more stages of downmixing and analog-to-digital conversion on the radio frequency signal to obtain a digital baseband signal or a digital intermediate frequency (IF) signal. The order of these downmixing and IF conversion processes is adjustable. The transmitter Tx can selectively perform one or more stages of upmixing and digital-to-analog conversion on the modulated digital baseband signal or digital IF signal to obtain a radio frequency signal. The order of these upmixing and IF conversion processes is also adjustable. The digital baseband signal and the digital IF signal can be collectively referred to as digital signals.

[0190] The transceiver 1313 can also be called a transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver device, etc. Optionally, the device in the transceiver unit that performs the receiving function can be regarded as the receiving unit, and the device in the transceiver unit that performs the transmitting function can be regarded as the transmitting unit. That is, the transceiver unit includes a receiving unit and a transmitting unit. The receiving unit can also be called a receiver, input port, receiving circuit, etc., and the transmitting unit can be called a transmitter, transmitter, or transmitting circuit, etc.

[0191] It should be noted that, Figure 13 The communication device 1300 shown can be used to implement the steps implemented by the network device in the aforementioned method embodiments, and to achieve the corresponding technical effects of the network device. Figure 13 The specific implementation of the communication device 1300 shown can be referred to the description in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0192] Please see Figure 14 The above-described embodiments of the communication device provided in this application are schematic diagrams of the structure of the communication device.

[0193] It is understood that the communication device 1400 includes, for example, modules, units, elements, circuits, or interfaces, which are appropriately configured together to execute the technical solutions provided in this application. The communication device 1400 may be the terminal device or network device described above, or a component (e.g., a chip) within these devices, used to implement the methods described in the following method embodiments. The communication device 1400 includes one or more processors 1401. The processor 1401 may be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, for example, a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, and the central processing unit can be used to control the communication device (e.g., RAN node, terminal, or chip), execute software programs, and process data from the software programs.

[0194] Optionally, in one design, processor 1401 may include program 1403 (sometimes also referred to as code or instructions) that can be executed on processor 1401 to cause communication device 1400 to perform the methods described in the embodiments below. In yet another possible design, communication device 1400 includes circuitry (…). Figure 14 (Not shown).

[0195] Optionally, the communication device 1400 may include one or more memories 1402 storing a program 1404 (sometimes referred to as code or instructions), which can be run on the processor 1401 to cause the communication device 1400 to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments.

[0196] Optionally, the processor 1401 and / or memory 1402 may include an artificial intelligence (AI) module 1407 and an AI module 1408, which are used to implement AI-related functions. The AI ​​module can be implemented through software, hardware, or a combination of both. For example, the AI ​​module may include a radio intelligence control (RIC) module. For instance, the AI ​​module can be a near real-time RIC or a non-real-time RIC.

[0197] Optionally, the processor 1401 and / or memory 1402 may also store data. The processor and memory may be configured separately or integrated together.

[0198] Optionally, the communication device 1400 may further include a transceiver 1405 and / or an antenna 1406. The processor 1401, sometimes referred to as a processing unit, controls the communication device (e.g., a RAN node or terminal). The transceiver 1405, sometimes referred to as a transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, or transceiver, is used to implement the transmission and reception functions of the communication device via the antenna 1406.

[0199] in, Figure 10 The processing unit 1001 shown may be a processor 1401. Figure 10 The transceiver unit 1002 shown can be a communication interface, which can be... Figure 14 The transceiver 1405 may include an input interface and an output interface. Alternatively, the transceiver 1405 may also be a transceiver circuit, which may include an input interface circuit and an output interface circuit.

[0200] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing one or more computer-executable instructions. When the computer-executable instructions are executed by a computer, the computer performs the method as described in the possible implementations of the terminal device or network device in the foregoing embodiments.

[0201] This application also provides a computer program product (or computer program) that, when executed by a computer, allows the computer to execute the methods that may be implemented by the aforementioned terminal device or network device.

[0202] This application also provides a chip system including at least one processor for supporting a communication device (such as a terminal device or a network device) in implementing the functions involved in the possible implementations of the communication device described above. Optionally, the chip system further includes an interface circuit that provides program instructions and / or data to the at least one processor. In one possible design, the chip system may also include a memory for storing the program instructions and data necessary for the communication device. The chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices, wherein the communication device may specifically be the terminal device or network device in the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0203] This application also provides a communication system, which includes the network device and communication device in any of the above embodiments.

[0204] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces, indirect coupling or communication connection between devices or units, and may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms. Whether a function is implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0205] The unit described as a separate component may or may not be physically separate. The component shown as a unit may or may not be a physical unit; that is, it may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0206] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit. If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the method in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Receive the first microwave signal to be detected; A first laser signal is sent to the atomic vapor cavity to obtain a first signal intensity, the first signal intensity being the signal intensity of the first laser signal after passing through the atomic vapor cavity, the frequency of the first laser signal changing periodically, and the transmittance of the atomic vapor cavity being related to the first microwave signal; A first attribute of the first microwave signal is determined based on the first signal strength and the frequency of the first laser signal, wherein the first attribute includes signal strength or signal frequency.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Determining the first attribute of the first microwave signal based on the first signal strength and the frequency of the first laser signal includes: The signal strength of the first microwave signal is determined based on the first difference, where the first difference is the difference in frequency of the first laser signal corresponding to two adjacent peak values ​​of the first signal strength.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Determining the first attribute of the first microwave signal based on the first signal strength and the frequency of the first laser signal includes: The signal frequency of the first microwave signal is determined based on the difference between two adjacent peak values ​​of the first signal strength.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The frequency variation period of the first laser signal is related to the transmission period of the first microwave signal.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The method further includes: Transmits a radio frequency signal, which is used to drive an acousto-optic modulator; The frequency of the first laser signal is modulated by the acousto-optic modulator, and the frequency of the radio frequency signal is detuned to the same frequency as the first laser signal.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first laser signal is transmitted through a first light source, and the driving current of the first light source changes periodically.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The atomic vapor cavity includes multiple atomic vapor cavities with different center operating frequencies, and the center operating frequency is related to the frequency of the first laser signal.

8. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes a module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes at least one processor, said at least one processor being used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

10. The communication device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The communication device is a chip or chip system.

11. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed by a device, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

12. A computer program product, characterized in that, It includes a computer program or instructions that, when executed by a computer, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

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