System for sensing radio frequency signals

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system (10) for sensing radio frequency (RF) signals. The system (10) includes: a quantum sensor (11) comprising: a sensing element (12) arranged to be exposed to the RF signal; and a readout device (13) configured to detect the response of the sensing element (12) to the RF signal. The system (10) further includes: at least one RF sensor (14) comprising an RF antenna and / or an RF port configured to receive the RF signal; and an evaluation module (15) configured to receive information from the quantum sensor (11) and the at least one RF sensor (14), and determine at least one characteristic of the RF signal based on the information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a system for sensing radio frequency (RF) signals that combines the advantages of conventional RF sensors and quantum sensors. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional RF signal measurement systems, such as spectrum analyzers, have one or more input channels and internal electronics for analyzing the signal(s). For example, an antenna is connected to the input channel to analyze the RF signal received by the antenna. However, such conventional measurement devices can only sense RF signals within a limited frequency bandwidth (e.g., at most 100 GHz or lower). Furthermore, these sensors typically have limited measurement accuracy and may interfere with the signal being measured in undesirable ways.

[0003] Quantum sensors are a new type of sensor that overcomes many of these drawbacks and limitations. Quantum sensors can be highly accurate and can sense RF signals over a very wide frequency range, including high frequencies (e.g., in the terahertz (THz) range) that are inaccessible to conventional sensors. However, quantum sensor systems are typically complex and expensive. Furthermore, their sensitivity and instantaneous bandwidth may not be as good as those of conventional sensors.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for a system for sensing RF signals that overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks and limitations. In particular, there is a need for a sensor system that combines the advantages of conventional sensors and quantum sensors in a cost-effective manner. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention provides a system for sensing radio frequency (RF) signals. The system includes a quantum sensor comprising: a sensing element arranged to be exposed to the RF signal; and a readout device configured to detect the response of the sensing element to the RF signal. The system further includes: at least one RF sensor including an RF antenna and / or an RF port configured to receive the RF signal; and an evaluation module configured to receive information from the quantum sensor and the at least one RF sensor, and to determine at least one characteristic of the RF signal based on the information.

[0006] This achieves the following advantages: it provides a sensor system that combines the advantages of traditional (e.g., antenna-based) RF sensors and quantum sensors. Consequently, these two technologies can be integrated in a cost-effective manner, as common components used to evaluate the respective sensor outputs can be shared by both sensors.

[0007] The evaluation module can be a test and / or measurement device (such as an oscilloscope or spectrum analyzer), or it can be integrated into such a test and / or measurement device. Quantum sensors (especially readout devices) and RF sensors can be connected to the corresponding input ports of the test and / or measurement device.

[0008] For example, the sensing element includes a quantum system. The quantum system can be formed from an atomic gas, such as Rydberg atoms. Alternatively, the quantum system can be formed from a diamond material with NV (nitrogen vacancy center) defects.

[0009] The sensing element can be irradiated with an RF signal. This RF signal can then produce observable changes in the quantum system. For example, a readout device detects these changes (e.g., changes in the emission spectrum) and forwards the information derived from them to an evaluation module.

[0010] Information from RF signals from the readout device and / or RF sensors can be forwarded to the evaluation module in the form of digital or analog signals, which are then digitized by the ADC of the evaluation module.

[0011] The characteristics of an RF signal can be its amplitude and / or spectrum.

[0012] In one implementation, the evaluation module is configured to synchronize the quantum sensor and the RF sensor. This synchronization may be based on information received from both sensors.

[0013] The evaluation module can also trigger measurements from quantum sensors and / or RF sensors (or both).

[0014] In one implementation, the evaluation module is configured to calibrate the RF sensor based on information received from the quantum sensor, or to calibrate the quantum sensor based on information received from the RF sensor. This achieves the advantage that the RF sensor can be calibrated using the output of the quantum sensor for frequencies not covered by conventional calibration standards.

[0015] In one implementation, the quantum sensor is configured to provide information about the RF signal at frequencies outside the frequency range of the at least one RF sensor. In this way, the quantum sensor can "extend" the frequency range of the RF sensor.

[0016] In one implementation, the system further includes a user interface (UI) configured to output information provided by the quantum sensor and the at least one RF sensor.

[0017] In one implementation, the RF sensor further includes any combination of the following components: a mixer, a local oscillator, a filter, an equalizer, and a digitally controlled oscillator.

[0018] In one implementation, the evaluation module is configured to evaluate whether the information provided by the quantum sensor or the information provided by the RF sensor is more accurate for a particular measurement task.

[0019] In one implementation, the system includes one or more sensor heads that are directly or indirectly connected to the evaluation module. The sensor head may be a probe head, i.e., the head of a measuring probe.

[0020] In one implementation, the sensing element and the at least one RF sensor are arranged in the same sensor head.

[0021] For example, the sensing element (using a readout device) and the RF sensor are connected to the combined input of the evaluation module, for example, in sequence or via a splitter, so as to operate as a parallel system.

[0022] In one implementation, the sensing element and the RF sensor are arranged in different sensor heads.

[0023] In one implementation, the readout device includes: a light source configured to irradiate the sensing element with a light beam; and an optical detector configured to detect the optical response of the sensing element.

[0024] The sensing element, or more specifically, the sensing volume within the sensing element, can be optically excited by the light beam. In response, the sensing element can emit radiation that can be detected by an optical detector. Information about the RF signal can be inferred from the characteristics of the emitted radiation.

[0025] In one implementation, the readout device is disposed in the front end of the system or on an expansion board; wherein the front end or the expansion board is directly or indirectly connected to the evaluation module.

[0026] In one implementation, the evaluation module includes a digital signal processor (DSP) and / or a host processor, the DSP and / or the host processor being configured to receive information from the quantum sensor and the at least one RF sensor of the RF signal. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be explained further with reference to the accompanying drawings, by way of example and not limitation. In the drawings:

[0028] Figure 1A schematic diagram of a system for sensing RF signals according to one embodiment is shown; and

[0029] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a system for sensing RF signals according to one embodiment is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0030] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a system 10 for sensing RF signals according to one embodiment is shown.

[0031] System 10 includes a quantum sensor 11, which includes a sensing element 12 arranged to be exposed to an RF signal; and a readout device 13 configured to detect the response of the sensing element 12 to the RF signal. System 10 also includes at least one RF sensor 14, which includes an RF antenna and / or an RF port configured to receive RF signals; and an evaluation module 15 configured to receive information from the RF signals from the quantum sensor 11 and the at least one RF sensor 14, and determine at least one characteristic of the RF signals based on the information.

[0032] The sensing element 12 of the quantum sensor 11 may include multiple atoms, or multiple components exhibiting atomic properties, which together constitute a quantum system. The sensing element 12 may be formed from or may include a sensing volume containing the atoms or atom-like components.

[0033] For example, sensing element 12 includes a quantum gas stored in a vapor chamber. The atoms forming the quantum gas may be Rydberg atoms. Alternatively, sensing element 12 may include a solid material, such as diamond, which includes multiple (micro)components exhibiting atomic properties. For example, the diamond is NV diamond, i.e., diamond with NV (nitrogen vacancy center) defects.

[0034] The readout device 13 may include: a light source 13a (e.g., a laser) configured to irradiate the sensing element 12 with a light beam; and an optical detector 13b (e.g., a photodiode or a camera) configured to detect the optical response of the sensing element 12. Optionally, the readout device 13 may include at least one field generator configured to generate an electrical control field, a magnetic control field, and / or an electromagnetic control field within the sensing element.

[0035] The readout device 13 may include electronic devices for evaluating the readings of the detector 13b, such as an ADC (analog-to-digital converter) and an FPGA (field-programmable gate array) for evaluating the ADC readings. The readout device 13 may also include additional devices for electrically reading the sensing element 12, such as a specific amplifier and / or current amplifier for a Rydberg atomic chamber.

[0036] The quantum system in sensing element 12 can be tuned by a light beam and optionally by an additional control field (e.g., RF or magnetic field). For example, atoms or atom-like components in sensing element 12 are optically excited from their ground state to an excited state by the light beam. Furthermore, the properties of the quantum system, such as the resonant frequency of the excited atoms or components, can be tuned by changing the parameters of the light beam and / or the control field.

[0037] To sense an RF signal, sensing element 12 can be irradiated with an RF signal, and readout device 13 can read out the response of sensing element 12 to the RF signal. For example, the RF signal interacts with sensing element 12 (e.g., excited Rydberg atoms), where this interaction indicates a characteristic of the RF signal. This characteristic could be the amplitude of the signal. For example, if the RF signal resonates (or nearly resonates) with two energy levels in a quantum system formed by Rydberg atoms, it can alter the state of the quantum system. This can be read out by an optical device, such as an optical detector 13b, which detects optical changes in sensing element 12 due to the interaction.

[0038] At least one RF sensor 14 may be an antenna-based sensor. For example, RF sensor 14 may include one or more Rx antennas optimized for a specific frequency range of RF signals. Additionally or alternatively, RF sensor 14 may include one or more ports for connecting antennas or for direct connection to a DUT transmitting RF signals. RF sensor 14 may receive RF signals through the ports.

[0039] RF sensor 14 may also include a mixer, a local oscillator, a filter, an equalizer, and / or a digitally controlled oscillator. RF sensor 14 may be configured to use these components to adjust and / or preprocess the received RF signal and forward the adjusted signal (or a portion thereof) to the evaluation module.

[0040] RF signals can include signal components in the MHz, GHz, and / or THz range. For example, an RF signal can be a microwave signal or a 4G or 5G telecommunications signal.

[0041] Evaluation module 15 may be a test and / or measurement device (such as an oscilloscope or spectrum analyzer), or may be integrated into such a test and / or measurement device. Quantum sensor 11 (particularly readout device 13) and RF sensor 14 may be connected to the corresponding inputs of the test and / or measurement device.

[0042] Evaluation module 15 can process the outputs of quantum sensor 11 and RF sensor 14, and thus determine one or more characteristics of the RF signal. These characteristics may include the amplitude and / or spectrum of the RF signal. Information from the RF signal from readout device 13 (and / or from RF sensor 14) may be forwarded to evaluation module 15 in the form of a digital or analog signal, which is then digitized by evaluation module 15.

[0043] Evaluation module 15 may include a processor (e.g., a microprocessor) for processing the outputs of sensors 11 and 14. Evaluation module 15 may also include any combination of the following components: analog-to-digital converter, field-programmable gate array, digital signal processor, fast Fourier transform unit, switch, combiner, multiplexer, and multiple inputs.

[0044] The evaluation module 15 may include any components suitable for reading out the RF sensor 14 and the quantum sensor 11. In this way, the two sensor technologies can be combined in a cost-effective manner without duplicating shared components.

[0045] Furthermore, the two sensors 11 and 14 can complement each other and together form a sensor system 10 that operates with high accuracy over a wide frequency range. In addition, the quantum sensor 11 can add several advantages to the antenna-based sensor 14, such as improved measurement accuracy, a purely dielectric sensor head that does not interfere with the microwave field under test, and a very wide frequency range. The evaluation module 15 can perform conventional analysis techniques, such as vector signal analysis tasks, based on the output of each sensor 11 and 14.

[0046] For example, the evaluation module 15 is also configured to synchronize the quantum sensor 11 and the RF sensor 14. Synchronization can be based on information received from both sensors 11 and 14. The evaluation module 15 can also trigger measurements from either the quantum sensor 11 or the RF sensor 14 (or both).

[0047] The evaluation module 15 can synchronize tasks that require the collaboration of two sensors 11 and 14.

[0048] Evaluation module 15 can control RF sensor 14. For example, evaluation module 15 can also be configured to calibrate RF sensor 14 based on information received from quantum sensor 11, and vice versa. Thus, accurate measurements can be provided using quantum sensors even at very high frequencies that conventional calibration standards cannot cover. In particular, quantum systems offer good controllability of the absolute power of electromagnetic fields over a wide frequency range, a characteristic that can be used when calibrating RF sensor 14.

[0049] The quantum sensor 11 can also be configured to provide information about the RF signal at frequencies outside the frequency range of the RF sensor 14. In this way, the quantum sensor 11 can extend the operating range of test and / or measurement systems with antenna-based RF sensors 14 (e.g., spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, or other receivers).

[0050] System 10 may include an optional user interface (UI) 16. UI 16 may be configured to output information provided by quantum sensor 11 and at least one RF sensor 14 and / or parameters determined based on said information. UI 16 may be a unified UI for analyzing the output of both sensor types.

[0051] For example, evaluation module 15 further evaluates which of the sensors 11 and 14 provides a more accurate measurement for a specific measurement task; that is, whether the information provided by quantum sensor 11 or RF sensor 14 is more accurate for the measurement task. This evaluation can be achieved through software control.

[0052] Then, the evaluation module 15 can discard information provided by the individual sensors 11, 14 that is considered less accurate. For example, when analyzing RF signals at very high frequencies (e.g., in the THz range), the evaluation module 15 can consider only the output of the quantum sensor 11 and discard the output of the RF sensor 14, because at these frequencies, only the quantum sensor 11 is considered accurate.

[0053] System 10 may include at least one sensor head 18, which is directly or indirectly connected to evaluation module 15. For example, the at least one sensor head 18 is connected to a test and / or measurement device 17, which includes (or is equivalent to) evaluation module 15. Sensor head 18 may be a probe head, i.e., the head of a measurement probe.

[0054] The sensing element 12 of the quantum sensor 11 and at least one RF sensor 14 can be arranged in a single shared sensor head 18. The readout device 13 can also be... Figure 1 The sensor is arranged either inside the sensor head 18 or outside the sensor head.

[0055] Alternatively, system 10 may include expansion modules, such as a front end, or an expansion board or expansion card. Figure 1 (Not shown in the diagram). The expansion module can carry at least some dedicated components of the quantum sensor 11, particularly components of the readout device 13 (e.g., lasers and photodiodes). The expansion module can be electrically connected to common components of the system, namely the evaluation module 15 and its components (e.g., ADC, FPGA, and CPU).

[0056] When the expansion module is a front-end component, it can be connected via a cable to a separate device that includes the test and / or measurement system containing the evaluation module 15. When the expansion module is an expansion board or expansion card, it can be inserted into the test and / or measurement device (e.g., into a suitable connector within the test and / or measurement device).

[0057] The expansion module may have an input connector adapted to connect to a probe head 18 including the quantum sensor 11 (e.g., via fiber optic connection).

[0058] For example, sensing element 12 (using readout device 13) and RF sensor 14 are connected to the combined input of evaluation module 15, either sequentially or via a splitter, to operate as a parallel system. If both sensors 11 and 14 are sequentially connected to the input of evaluation module 15 (or a test and / or measurement device including module 15), quantum sensor 11 can be connected first.

[0059] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of system 10 according to another embodiment is shown.

[0060] exist Figure 2 In the example shown, the sensing element ( Figure 2 In the middle: sensor 1) and RF sensor ( Figure 2 In the middle: Sensor 2) is arranged in different sensor heads 21, 22. These different sensor heads 21, 22 can be connected to the (shared) evaluation module 15 via switches and / or combiner unit 25.

[0061] The exemplary system 10 also includes at least two front ends 23, 24. For example, each probe head 21, 22 is connected to one of the front ends 23, 24. The front ends may include components for reading out and / or controlling the respective sensors 11, 14. For example, a readout device 13 (e.g., a light source 13a, an amplifier, and / or an optical detector 13b) is arranged on the first front end 23, and / or components for reading out the RF sensor 14 (e.g., a filter, a mixer) are arranged on the second front end 24.

[0062] System 10 may include one or more expansion boards or cards, rather than being directly or indirectly connected to the front end of evaluation module 15, for example, such as directly or indirectly. These expansion boards or cards include components for reading and / or controlling at least one of sensors 11, 14. The expansion boards or cards may be inserted into a test and / or measurement apparatus that includes evaluation module 15 as described above.

[0063] The front-end functionality can be provided by the evaluation module 15, through an expansion board, or fully integrated into the evaluation module 15.

[0064] The evaluation module 15 may also include a digital signal processor (DSP) and / or a host processor, which is configured to receive information from the quantum sensor 11 and at least one RF sensor 14.

[0065] In summary, the architecture of System 10 allows for the cost-effective combination of antenna-based RF measurements with quantum-enhanced measurements, as the two sensors can share common components. This approach is applicable not only to aerial measurements but also to conducted measurements. Since the sensing element 12 of the quantum sensor 11 typically comprises only non-conductive materials, it does not consume the microwave (or other RF) field being measured, and it can also be integrated into the input port of a conventional RF sensor.

[0066] While various embodiments of the invention have been described above, it should be understood that they are presented by way of example only and not as limitation. Many changes may be made to the disclosed embodiments based on the disclosure without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, the breadth and scope of the invention should not be limited by any of the embodiments described above. Rather, the scope of the invention should be defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0067] Although the disclosed embodiments have been shown and described with respect to one or more implementations, equivalent changes and modifications will be conceived or known by those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding this specification and the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, while a particular feature of the invention may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such a feature may be combined with one or more other features of other implementations to meet requirements and gain advantages for any given or specific application.

Claims

1. A system (10) for sensing radio frequency signals, comprising: Quantum sensor (11), the quantum sensor comprising: - Sensing element (12), said sensing element being arranged to be exposed to the radio frequency signal; and - Readout device (13), the readout device being configured to detect the response of the sensing element (12) to the radio frequency signal; At least one radio frequency sensor (14), the at least one radio frequency sensor including a radio frequency antenna and / or a radio frequency port configured to receive the radio frequency signal; and Evaluation module (15) is configured to receive information from the radio frequency signal from the quantum sensor (11) and the at least one radio frequency sensor (14), and determine at least one characteristic of the radio frequency signal based on the information.

2. The system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The evaluation module (15) is configured to synchronize the quantum sensor (11) and the radio frequency sensor (14).

3. The system (10) as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The evaluation module (15) is configured to calibrate the radio frequency sensor (14) based on information received from the quantum sensor (11), or to calibrate the quantum sensor (11) based on information received from the radio frequency sensor (14).

4. The system (10) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The quantum sensor (11) is configured to provide information about the radio frequency signal at frequencies outside the frequency range of the at least one radio frequency sensor (14).

5. The system (10) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: User interface (16) configured to output information provided by the quantum sensor (11) and the at least one radio frequency sensor (14).

6. The system (10) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The radio frequency sensor (14) also includes any combination of the following components: mixer, local oscillator, filter, equalizer, and digitally controlled oscillator.

7. The system (10) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The evaluation module (15) is configured to evaluate whether the information provided by the quantum sensor (11) or the information provided by the radio frequency sensor (14) is more accurate for a particular measurement task.

8. The system (10) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising: One or more sensor heads are directly or indirectly connected to the evaluation module (15).

9. The system (10) as claimed in claim 8, wherein, The sensing element (12) and the at least one radio frequency sensor (14) are arranged in the same sensor head.

10. The system (10) as claimed in claim 8, wherein, The sensing element (12) and the radio frequency sensor (14) are arranged in different sensor heads.

11. The system (10) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, The readout device (13) includes: - A light source configured to irradiate the sensing element (12) with a light beam; and - An optical detector configured to detect the optical response of the sensing element (12).

12. The system (10) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11, in, The readout device (13) is arranged in the front end of the system (10) or on an expansion board; The front end or the expansion board is directly or indirectly connected to the evaluation module (15).

13. The system (10) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein, The evaluation module (15) includes a digital signal processor and / or a host processor, which is configured to receive information from the radio frequency signals from the quantum sensor (11) and the at least one radio frequency sensor (14).

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