A device and method for detecting multiple light beams in a microwave cavity by using Rydberg atoms
By combining a multi-beam array with a microwave cavity, the contradiction between sensitivity, size, and frequency response bandwidth in the Rydberg atomic sensor was resolved, achieving ultra-high sensitivity, large dynamic range, and multi-band compatible microwave electric field measurement, as well as system miniaturization and integration.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202610849485.4
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2026-06-12
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-21
AI Technical Summary
In existing microwave measurement technologies, there is a contradiction between the sensitivity, size, and frequency response bandwidth of Rydberg atomic sensors, leading to problems such as limited sensitivity and decreased sensitivity due to frequency detuning in practical applications.
By combining a multi-beam generation module, an atomic gas cell module, a microwave cavity module, and a signal processing module, and by combining a multi-beam array with a microwave cavity, a specific mode microwave resonant cavity is formed, enabling parallel detection across multiple frequency bands and channels.
It significantly enhances the interaction strength between Rydberg atoms and the microwave field under test, resolves the contradiction between sensitivity and bandwidth, and realizes microwave electric field measurement with ultra-high sensitivity, large dynamic range and multi-band compatibility, as well as system miniaturization and integration.
Smart Images

Figure CN122430615A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of quantum precision measurement technology, and in particular to a Rydberg atom enhancement detection device and method for multi-beam microwave cavity. Background Technology
[0002] Microwave measurement technology based on Rydberg atoms is expected to become a candidate for next-generation microwave receiving technology due to its advantages such as self-calibration, traceability to the International System of Units (SI), and extremely high electric field sensitivity. Its basic principle is to utilize the extreme sensitivity of Rydberg atoms to microwave fields, converting the intensity information of the microwave electric field into an optical signal for reading through electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) and the Autler-Townes (AT) splitting effect. However, existing technologies still face two major challenges in their progress towards practical application: 1. The contradiction between sensitivity and size: Although theoretically the sensitivity limit of Rydberg atom sensors is limited by quantum projection noise, in practical applications, the interaction length between atoms and microwave fields in free space is limited, resulting in weak effective coupling. The traditional solution is to increase the size of the atomic gas chamber, but this introduces a larger system volume and an uneven electric field distribution. 2. The contradiction between sensitivity and bandwidth: A single Rydberg state can only produce a resonant response to microwave fields near a specific frequency; frequency detuning leads to a sharp drop in sensitivity. Although multiple independent atomic gas chambers can be spatially distributed to cover different frequency bands, multiple discrete systems are bulky and costly. Summary of the Invention
[0003] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a Rydberg atom enhancement detection device and method for multiple beams in a microwave cavity, which addresses the shortcomings of the prior art.
[0004] The technical solution of the present invention to solve the above-mentioned technical problems is as follows: A Rydberg atom enhancement detection device with multiple beams in a microwave cavity, comprising: a multiple beam generation module, an atomic gas cell module, a microwave cavity module, and a signal processing module, wherein the atomic gas cell module is installed in the microwave cavity module, the multiple beam generation module outputs multiple beams, and the atomic gas cell module, the microwave cavity module, and the signal processing module are all located on the optical path of the multiple beams.
[0005] The beneficial effects of adopting the technical solution of this invention are as follows: The multi-beam generation module is used to generate and control multiple probe beams and coupling beams, forming spatially independent beam arrays. A specific mode microwave resonant cavity is formed inside the microwave cavity module. The atomic gas cell module is located at the exact center of the microwave cavity, where the microwave electric field intensity is the greatest, resulting in standing wave enhancement of the microwave field to be measured within the cavity. The signal processing module is used to extract the spectral signals of each probe beam in parallel. By combining the multi-beam array with the microwave cavity module, parallel detection of multiple frequency bands and multiple channels is achieved while enhancing sensitivity. This is used to achieve microwave electric field measurement with ultra-high sensitivity, large dynamic range, and multi-band compatibility. Utilizing the field enhancement effect of the microwave resonant cavity, the interaction intensity between Rydberg atoms and the microwave field to be measured is significantly enhanced, breaking the bottleneck of limited interaction distance in free space, and enabling the system sensitivity to exceed traditional limits. By introducing the combination of a multi-beam array with a multi-mode cavity or cavity array, spatial frequency domain separation is achieved. This solves the problem of narrow response bandwidth of a single Rydberg sensor, enabling a single system to simultaneously monitor multiple microwave signals of different frequencies without interference between them. Integrating the atomic gas cell into the microwave cavity and combining it with an optical fiber-guided beam array avoids the complex debugging of discrete optical platforms, facilitating the realization of a miniaturized and integrated quantum microwave receiving front end.
[0006] Furthermore, the multiple beams are spatially independent multiple probe beams and coupling beams; the multiple beams form a beam array.
[0007] The beneficial effect of adopting the above-mentioned further technical solution is that the multi-beam generation module is used to generate and control multiple probe beams and coupling beams to form spatially independent beam arrays.
[0008] Furthermore, the multi-beam generation module includes: a probe laser, a coupling laser, an optical beam splitter, and multiple acousto-optic modulators for independently adjusting the frequency and phase of each beam. The probe laser and the coupling laser are located on opposite sides of the microwave cavity module, respectively. The optical beam splitter, the acousto-optic modulator, and the microwave cavity module are all located on the optical paths of the probe laser and the coupling laser. The beam array is a square beam array, a rectangular beam array, or a ring beam array.
[0009] The beneficial effect of adopting the above-mentioned further technical solution is that the multi-beam generation module is used to generate and control multiple probe beams and coupling beams to form a spatially independent beam array. The probe beams and coupling beams generated by the two lasers are respectively divided into N paths, and the frequency and phase of each path can be independently adjusted by an acousto-optic modulator to form a beam array. Each beam in this array passes through the atomic gas cell module in a backpropagation or small-angle intersection manner and interacts with a specific spatial region within the microwave cavity module.
[0010] Furthermore, the atomic chamber module is internally encapsulated with alkali metal atomic vapor.
[0011] The beneficial effect of adopting the above-mentioned further technical solution is that the atomic gas chamber module includes at least one closed alkali metal atomic vapor chamber filled with atomic vapor.
[0012] Furthermore, the microwave cavity module is provided with a microwave field enhancement region, and the atomic gas chamber module is located within the microwave field enhancement region; multiple beams correspond to microwave field enhancement regions at different spatial positions within the microwave cavity module; the microwave cavity module has a cuboid or cylindrical structure; the microwave cavity module is provided with multiple through holes, and the multiple beams enter the microwave cavity module through the multiple through holes.
[0013] The beneficial effect of adopting the above-mentioned further technical solution is that a microwave resonant cavity with a specific mode is formed inside the microwave cavity module. The atomic gas chamber module is located at the exact center of the microwave cavity, where the microwave electric field intensity is the greatest, resulting in enhanced standing waves in the measured microwave field within the cavity. N independent small holes are opened on the side of the cavity, with corresponding beam channels allowing the probe light and coupling light to pass through. A cylindrical microwave cavity is used, supporting multiple azimuth modes. On the cross-section of the cylindrical cavity, the antinodes of the electric field are distributed in a ring shape. The probe light and coupling light are shaped into multiple independent beam points by a spatial light modulator. These beam points are arranged along the circumference, precisely corresponding to the positions of maximum field strength for different modes within the cylindrical cavity. Each beam point represents an independent receiving "channel." By adjusting the size of the cylindrical cavity or introducing perturbations, the resonant frequencies of different modes can be precisely controlled, covering multiple communication bands such as the S-band and C-band. This solution is suitable for deep space communication ground receiving stations requiring comprehensive, multi-band monitoring.
[0014] Furthermore, the microwave cavity module is a multimode microwave resonant cavity that internally supports multiple resonant modes of different frequencies, and the multiple beams are respectively located at the antinodes of the electric field of different resonant modes within the multimode microwave resonant cavity; the atomic gas chamber module is located at the exact center of the microwave cavity module.
[0015] The beneficial effect of adopting the above-mentioned further technical solution is that by combining a multi-channel laser beam array with a multi-mode microwave resonant cavity, parallel detection across multiple frequency bands and channels can be achieved while enhancing sensitivity. A specific mode of microwave resonant cavity is formed inside the microwave cavity module. The atomic gas cell module is located at the very center of the microwave cavity, where the microwave electric field intensity is maximum, resulting in enhanced standing waves of the microwave field under test within the cavity. A single microwave cavity with multiple resonant modes is designed so that different frequencies of microwave fields under test excite different eigenmodes within the cavity. Different beams in the beam array are arranged at the antinodes where the field intensity of different modes is maximum within the cavity, thereby achieving spatial separation detection of microwave signals of different frequencies.
[0016] Furthermore, the microwave cavity module includes multiple microwave sub-cavities with different electric field enhancement modes and independently configured, and the multiple independent microwave sub-cavities are arranged in an array structure; the multiple beams in the beam array pass through the multiple microwave sub-cavities respectively.
[0017] The beneficial effect of adopting the above-mentioned further technical solution is that by combining a multi-channel laser beam array with a cavity array, parallel detection of multiple frequency bands and multiple channels can be achieved while enhancing sensitivity.
[0018] Furthermore, the signal processing module includes a photodetector array for parallel acquisition of optical signals from multiple probe beams after they pass through the atomic gas cell module, and the positions of the photodetector array correspond to the positions of the multiple beams in the beam array.
[0019] The beneficial effect of adopting the above-mentioned further technical solution is that the signal processing module includes a photodetector array corresponding one-to-one with multiple beams, which is used to extract the spectral signals of each probe beam in parallel.
[0020] Furthermore, this invention also provides a method for Rydberg atom enhancement detection using multiple beams in a microwave cavity. Based on the aforementioned device for Rydberg atom enhancement detection using multiple beams in a microwave cavity, the method includes: S1, feeding the microwave signal to be measured into a microwave cavity module, so that the microwave signal to be measured forms a resonant enhanced microwave field distribution within the microwave cavity module; S2, through a multiple beam generation module, incident multiple beams onto the atomic gas cell module, where the multiple beams interact with Rydberg atoms in the microwave field enhancement region; S3, using a signal processing module to collect the spectral changes of the multiple beams respectively, and inverting the microwave electric field intensity information at the corresponding spatial locations.
[0021] The beneficial effects of this invention are that, through a multi-beam generation module, N probe beams and coupling beams are respectively incident on corresponding regions of the atomic gas cells within the microwave cavity, utilizing the EIT effect to prepare atoms in specific regions to the Rydberg state. The microwave signal to be measured is fed into the microwave cavity module through the coupling port. Inside the cavity, the microwave field forms a standing wave resonance, and the microwave field strength at a specific spatial location is significantly enhanced compared to the incident field. Rydberg atoms located in the region of enhanced microwave field strength are affected by the microwave field, and their EIT spectra undergo AT splitting or transmittance changes. The absorption changes of the probe beams by the ground-state atoms in each path are captured in real time by the corresponding photodetector array. The signal processing module analyzes the N parallel-acquired optical signals.
[0022] Further, step S3 includes: determining the frequency information of the microwave signal to be measured by identifying the spatial position of the multiple beams that generate spectral changes in the beam array; for multimode microwave resonant cavities, demodulating the intensity and phase of the microwave signal at the corresponding frequency by distinguishing the spatial positions of different beams; for cavity arrays, directly obtaining the measurement results through the signal channels of the corresponding microwave subcavities.
[0023] The beneficial effect of adopting the above-mentioned further technical solution is that, for microwave resonant cavities (multimode microwave resonant cavities), the intensity and phase of microwave signals of corresponding frequencies are demodulated by distinguishing the spatial positions of different beams; for cavity arrays, the measurement results are obtained directly through the signal channels of the corresponding sub-cavities.
[0024] The advantages of additional aspects of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description
[0025] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of the present invention and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a Rydberg atom enhancement detection device with multiple beams in a microwave cavity provided in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0027] The following are the diagram labels: 1. Multi-beam generation module; 2. Atomic gas chamber module; 3. Microwave cavity module; 4. Signal processing module; 5. Beam. Detailed Implementation
[0028] The principles and features of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described are only for explaining the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.
[0029] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.
[0030] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the invention.
[0031] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.
[0032] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that if terms such as "upper", "lower", "horizontal", "inner" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship in which the product of the invention is usually placed during use, they are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention.
[0033] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," "connect," and "link" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the present invention according to the specific circumstances.
[0034] like Figure 1As shown, this embodiment of the invention provides a Rydberg atom enhancement detection device with multiple beams in a microwave cavity, including: a multiple beam generation module 1, an atomic gas cell module 2, a microwave cavity module 3, and a signal processing module 4. The atomic gas cell module 2 is installed in the microwave cavity module 3. The multiple beam generation module 1 outputs multiple beams 5. The atomic gas cell module 2, the microwave cavity module 3, and the signal processing module 4 are all located on the optical path of the multiple beams 5.
[0035] The beneficial effects of adopting the technical solution of this invention are as follows: The multi-beam generation module is used to generate and control multiple probe beams and coupling beams, forming spatially independent beam arrays. A specific mode microwave resonant cavity is formed inside the microwave cavity module. The atomic gas cell module is located at the exact center of the microwave cavity, where the microwave electric field intensity is the greatest, resulting in standing wave enhancement of the microwave field to be measured within the cavity. The signal processing module is used to extract the spectral signals of each probe beam in parallel. By combining the multi-beam array with the microwave cavity module, parallel detection of multiple frequency bands and multiple channels is achieved while enhancing sensitivity. This is used to achieve microwave electric field measurement with ultra-high sensitivity, large dynamic range, and multi-band compatibility. Utilizing the field enhancement effect of the microwave resonant cavity, the interaction intensity between Rydberg atoms and the microwave field to be measured is significantly enhanced, breaking the bottleneck of limited interaction distance in free space, and enabling the system sensitivity to exceed traditional limits. By introducing the combination of a multi-beam array with a multi-mode cavity or cavity array, spatial frequency domain separation is achieved. This solves the problem of narrow response bandwidth of a single Rydberg sensor, enabling a single system to simultaneously monitor multiple microwave signals of different frequencies without interference between them. Integrating the atomic gas cell into the microwave cavity and combining it with an optical fiber-guided beam array avoids the complex debugging of discrete optical platforms, facilitating the realization of a miniaturized and integrated quantum microwave receiving front end.
[0036] like Figure 1 As shown, the multi-beam 5 further comprises multiple probe beams and coupling beams that are spatially independent; the multi-beam 5 forms a beam array.
[0037] The beneficial effect of adopting the above-mentioned further technical solution is that the multi-beam generation module is used to generate and control multiple probe beams and coupling beams to form spatially independent beam arrays.
[0038] like Figure 1As shown, the multi-beam generation module 1 further includes: a probe laser, a coupling laser, an optical beam splitter, and multiple acousto-optic modulators for independently adjusting the frequency and phase of each beam 5. The probe laser and the coupling laser are located on opposite sides of the microwave cavity module 3, respectively. The optical beam splitter, the acousto-optic modulator, and the microwave cavity module 3 are all located on the optical paths of the probe laser and the coupling laser. The beam array is a square beam array, a rectangular beam array, or a ring beam array.
[0039] The beneficial effect of adopting the above-mentioned further technical solution is that the multi-beam generation module is used to generate and control multiple probe beams and coupling beams to form a spatially independent beam array. The probe beams and coupling beams generated by the two lasers are respectively divided into N paths, and the frequency and phase of each path can be independently adjusted by an acousto-optic modulator to form a beam array. Each beam in this array passes through the atomic gas cell module in a backpropagation or small-angle intersection manner and interacts with a specific spatial region within the microwave cavity module.
[0040] Furthermore, the atomic gas chamber module 2 is internally encapsulated with alkali metal atomic vapor.
[0041] The beneficial effect of adopting the above-mentioned further technical solution is that the atomic gas chamber module includes at least one closed alkali metal atomic vapor chamber filled with atomic vapor.
[0042] like Figure 1 As shown, the microwave cavity module 3 further includes a microwave field enhancement region, and the atomic gas chamber module 2 is located within the microwave field enhancement region. The multiple beams 5 correspond to microwave field enhancement regions at different spatial positions within the microwave cavity module 3. The microwave cavity module 3 has a cuboid or cylindrical structure. The microwave cavity module 3 has multiple through holes, through which the multiple beams 5 enter the microwave cavity module 3.
[0043] The beneficial effect of adopting the above-mentioned further technical solution is that a microwave resonant cavity with a specific mode is formed inside the microwave cavity module. The atomic gas chamber module is located at the exact center of the microwave cavity, where the microwave electric field intensity is the greatest, resulting in enhanced standing waves in the measured microwave field within the cavity. N independent small holes are opened on the side of the cavity, with corresponding beam channels allowing the probe light and coupling light to pass through. A cylindrical microwave cavity is used, supporting multiple azimuth modes. On the cross-section of the cylindrical cavity, the antinodes of the electric field are distributed in a ring shape. The probe light and coupling light are shaped into multiple independent beam points by a spatial light modulator. These beam points are arranged along the circumference, precisely corresponding to the positions of maximum field strength for different modes within the cylindrical cavity. Each beam point represents an independent receiving "channel." By adjusting the size of the cylindrical cavity or introducing perturbations, the resonant frequencies of different modes can be precisely controlled, covering multiple communication bands such as the S-band and C-band. This solution is suitable for deep space communication ground receiving stations requiring comprehensive, multi-band monitoring.
[0044] like Figure 1 As shown, the microwave cavity module 3 is a multimode microwave resonant cavity that supports multiple resonant modes of different frequencies. The multiple beams 5 are located at the antinodes of the electric fields of different resonant modes in the multimode microwave resonant cavity. The atomic gas chamber module 2 is located at the center of the microwave cavity module 3.
[0045] The beneficial effect of adopting the above-mentioned further technical solution is that by combining a multi-channel laser beam array with a multi-mode microwave resonant cavity, parallel detection across multiple frequency bands and channels can be achieved while enhancing sensitivity. A specific mode of microwave resonant cavity is formed inside the microwave cavity module. The atomic gas cell module is located at the very center of the microwave cavity, where the microwave electric field intensity is maximum, resulting in enhanced standing waves of the microwave field under test within the cavity. A single microwave cavity with multiple resonant modes is designed so that different frequencies of microwave fields under test excite different eigenmodes within the cavity. Different beams in the beam array are arranged at the antinodes where the field intensity of different modes is maximum within the cavity, thereby achieving spatial separation detection of microwave signals of different frequencies.
[0046] Furthermore, the microwave cavity module 3 includes multiple microwave sub-cavities with different electric field enhancement modes and independently set, and the multiple independent microwave sub-cavities are arranged in an array structure; the multiple beams in the beam array pass through the multiple microwave sub-cavities respectively.
[0047] The beneficial effect of adopting the above-mentioned further technical solution is that by combining a multi-channel laser beam array with a cavity array, parallel detection of multiple frequency bands and multiple channels can be achieved while enhancing sensitivity.
[0048] like Figure 1As shown, the signal processing module 4 further includes a photodetector array for parallel acquisition of optical signals from multiple probe beams after they pass through the atomic gas cell module. The positions of the photodetector array correspond to the positions of the multiple beams 5 in the beam array.
[0049] The beneficial effect of adopting the above-mentioned further technical solution is that the signal processing module includes a photodetector array corresponding one-to-one with multiple beams, which is used to extract the spectral signals of each probe beam in parallel.
[0050] Furthermore, this invention also provides a method for Rydberg atom enhancement detection using multiple beams in a microwave cavity. Based on the aforementioned device for Rydberg atom enhancement detection using multiple beams in a microwave cavity, the method includes: S1, feeding the microwave signal to be measured into a microwave cavity module, so that the microwave signal to be measured forms a resonant enhanced microwave field distribution within the microwave cavity module; S2, through a multiple beam generation module, incident multiple beams onto the atomic gas cell module, where the multiple beams interact with Rydberg atoms in the microwave field enhancement region; S3, using a signal processing module to collect the spectral changes of the multiple beams respectively, and inverting the microwave electric field intensity information at the corresponding spatial locations.
[0051] The beneficial effects of this invention are that, through a multi-beam generation module, N probe beams and coupling beams are respectively incident on corresponding regions of the atomic gas cells within the microwave cavity, utilizing the EIT effect to prepare atoms in specific regions to the Rydberg state. The microwave signal to be measured is fed into the microwave cavity module through the coupling port. Inside the cavity, the microwave field forms a standing wave resonance, and the microwave field strength at a specific spatial location is significantly enhanced compared to the incident field. Rydberg atoms located in the region of enhanced microwave field strength are affected by the microwave field, and their EIT spectra undergo AT splitting or transmittance changes. The absorption changes of the probe beams by the ground-state atoms in each path are captured in real time by the corresponding photodetector array. The signal processing module analyzes the N parallel-acquired optical signals.
[0052] Further, step S3 includes: determining the frequency information of the microwave signal to be measured by identifying the spatial position of the multiple beams that generate spectral changes in the beam array; for multimode microwave resonant cavities, demodulating the intensity and phase of the microwave signal at the corresponding frequency by distinguishing the spatial positions of different beams; for cavity arrays, directly obtaining the measurement results through the signal channels of the corresponding microwave subcavities.
[0053] The beneficial effect of adopting the above-mentioned further technical solution is that, for microwave resonant cavities (multimode microwave resonant cavities), the intensity and phase of microwave signals of corresponding frequencies are demodulated by distinguishing the spatial positions of different beams; for cavity arrays, the measurement results are obtained directly through the signal channels of the corresponding sub-cavities.
[0054] This invention belongs to the field of quantum precision measurement technology, specifically relating to a microwave detection device and method based on a combination of a microwave resonant cavity and a multi-path Rydberg atomic beam array, used to achieve microwave electric field measurement with ultra-high sensitivity, large dynamic range and multi-band compatibility.
[0055] Microwave resonant cavity technology has been proven to effectively enhance the interaction between atoms and microwave fields, and placing an atomic gas cell within a microwave resonant cavity can enhance power sensitivity. Simultaneously, multi-beam simultaneous detection has also been shown to enhance microwave detection sensitivity. Therefore, this invention realizes a novel detection architecture that combines the field enhancement effect of a microwave cavity with multi-beam parallel detection capabilities, enabling further enhancement of microwave detection sensitivity.
[0056] This invention aims to provide a Rydberg atom enhancement detection device and method with multiple beams in a microwave cavity. It can be described as a microwave detection device and method that enhances the multi-beam array of Rydberg atoms in a microwave cavity. By combining a multi-beam array with a multi-mode microwave resonant cavity or cavity array, it achieves parallel detection across multiple frequency bands and channels while enhancing sensitivity. Specifically, this invention provides a Rydberg atom enhancement detection device and method with multiple beams in a microwave cavity, belonging to the field of quantum precision measurement. This invention includes a multi-beam generation module, an atomic gas cell module, a microwave cavity module, and a signal processing module. By combining spatially separated multi-beam detection and coupling arrays with a microwave resonant cavity, different beams are aligned with the field enhancement regions of different microwave modes (or different sub-cavities) within the cavity. On the one hand, this invention utilizes the resonance effect of the microwave cavity to significantly enhance the coupling strength between Rydberg atoms and the measured microwave field, improving detection sensitivity; on the other hand, it utilizes a multi-beam array to achieve spatial multiplexing and parallel detection of multi-frequency microwave signals, solving the problem of narrow response bandwidth in traditional Rydberg sensors. This invention has the advantages of ultra-high sensitivity, large bandwidth and high integration, and has broad application prospects in the fields of deep space communication, radar detection and quantum metrology.
[0057] This invention provides a Rydberg atom enhancement detection device for a multi-beam array in a microwave cavity, which can be a microwave detection device that enhances a multi-beam Rydberg atom array in a microwave cavity. It includes: a multi-beam generation module for generating and controlling multiple probe beams and coupling beams to form a spatially independent beam array.
[0058] Atomic vapor chamber module: Contains at least one enclosed vapor chamber of alkali metal atoms (such as cesium or rubidium) filled with atomic vapor.
[0059] Microwave cavity module: Constructed of a highly conductive metal (such as oxygen-free copper), forming a microwave resonant cavity with a specific mode (TE101 mode). The atomic gas cell module is located at the very center of the microwave cavity, where the microwave electric field intensity is the greatest, causing the microwave field under test to form a standing wave enhancement within the cavity.
[0060] Signal processing module: includes a photodetector array corresponding to each of the multiple beams, used to extract the spectral signals of each probe beam in parallel.
[0061] Specifically, the multi-beam generation module includes a probe laser, a coupling laser, an optical beam splitter array (one beam splitter at each end), multiple acousto-optic modulators (AOMs), and fiber optic couplers. The probe and coupling beams generated by the two lasers are split into N paths, each with its own frequency and phase adjustable via an AOM, forming a beam array. Each beam in this array (composed of a pair of probe and coupling beams) passes through the atomic gas cell module in a back-propagation or small-angle crossover manner and interacts with a specific spatial region within the microwave cavity module. Furthermore, the microwave cavity module can adopt one of the following two structures: 1. Multimode broadband cavity: Design a single microwave cavity (such as a rectangular or cylindrical cavity) with multiple resonant modes, so that different frequencies of the microwave field to be measured excite different eigenmodes within the cavity. The different beams in the beam array are arranged at the antinodes (strongest at the center) where the field strength of different modes is greatest within the cavity, thereby achieving spatial separation and detection of microwave signals of different frequencies. 2. Cavity Array: The cavity has N independent small holes on its side, with corresponding beam channels allowing the probe light and coupling light to pass through. The beam diameter can range from 1 to 2 mm, and the small hole diameter can range from 2 to 3 mm.
[0062] This invention provides a Rydberg atom enhancement detection device for a multi-beam array in a microwave cavity. It can be a microwave detection device that enhances a multi-beam Rydberg atom array in a microwave cavity. The device includes: a multi-beam generation module for generating spatially independent multi-path probe beams and coupling beams to form a beam array; an atomic gas chamber module encapsulating alkali metal atomic vapor; a microwave cavity module for providing a microwave field enhancement region, with the atomic gas chamber module located within the microwave field enhancement region; and a signal processing module including a photodetector array for parallel acquisition of optical signals after the multi-path probe beams pass through the atomic gas chamber module. Each beam in the beam array corresponds one-to-one with a microwave field enhancement region at a different spatial location within the microwave cavity module. The microwave field enhancement region can be the central location TE101.
[0063] The microwave cavity module is a multimode microwave resonant cavity, which supports multiple resonant modes of different frequencies. The different beams in the beam array are located at the antinodes of the electric field of the TE101 mode in the microwave resonant cavity.
[0064] The microwave cavity module includes multiple electric field enhancement modes, and only the TE101 mode can be used; each beam in the beam array passes through the microwave cavity.
[0065] The multi-beam generation module includes a main laser, an optical beam splitter, and multiple acousto-optic modulators, which are used to independently adjust the frequency and phase of each beam.
[0066] The present invention provides a Rydberg atom enhancement detection method for multi-beam microwave cavity, which can be a microwave detection method, including the following steps: feeding the microwave signal to be measured into the microwave cavity module, so that it forms a resonant enhanced microwave field distribution in the cavity.
[0067] The multi-beam generation module directs multiple probe beams and coupling beams into the atomic gas chamber module, where they interact with Rydberg atoms in the microwave field enhancement region. The signal processing module collects the spectral changes of each probe beam in parallel and retrieves the microwave electric field intensity information at the corresponding spatial location.
[0068] The frequency information of the microwave signal under test is determined by identifying the spatial position of the probe light that produces spectral changes in the beam array.
[0069] The device can also be modified to use a cylindrical multimode cavity and a ring beam array. A cylindrical microwave cavity is employed, supporting multiple azimuth modes (TMmnp). On the cross-section of the cylindrical cavity, the antinodes of the electric field are distributed in a ring. The probe light and coupling light are shaped into multiple independent beam points by a spatial light modulator (acousto-optic modulator). These beam points are arranged circumferentially, precisely corresponding to the positions of maximum field strength for different modes (such as TM010, TM110, etc.) within the cylindrical cavity. Each beam point represents an independent receiving "channel." By adjusting the size of the cylindrical cavity or introducing perturbations, the resonant frequencies of different modes can be precisely controlled, covering multiple communication bands such as the S-band and C-band. This scheme is suitable for deep-space communication ground receiving stations requiring comprehensive, multi-band monitoring.
[0070] This invention also provides a Rydberg atom enhancement detection method using a multi-beam array in a microwave cavity. This method utilizes the aforementioned device and includes the following steps: 1. Atomic state preparation: Through a multi-beam generation module, N probe beams and coupling beams are incident on corresponding regions of the atomic gas cells within the microwave cavity, respectively. The EIT effect is used to prepare atoms in specific regions to the Rydberg state. 2. Microwave field coupling and enhancement: The microwave signal to be measured is fed into the microwave cavity module through a coupling port. Inside the cavity, the microwave field forms a standing wave resonance, and the microwave field strength at a specific spatial location (antinode) is significantly enhanced compared to the incident field. 3. Parallel signal readout: Rydberg atoms located in the microwave field enhancement region (antinode) are affected by the microwave field, causing their EIT spectra to split at the AT level or change in transmittance. The absorption changes of each ground-state atom to the probe beam are captured in real time by the corresponding photodetector array. 4. Signal processing: The signal processing module analyzes the N parallel-acquired optical signals. For microwave resonant cavities (multimode microwave resonant cavities), the intensity and phase of microwave signals at corresponding frequencies are demodulated by distinguishing the spatial positions of different beams; for cavity arrays, the measurement results are obtained directly through the signal channels of the corresponding sub-cavities.
[0071] Beneficial effects: 1. Ultra-sensitive detection: Utilizing the field enhancement effect of the microwave resonant cavity, the interaction strength between Rydberg atoms and the measured microwave field is significantly enhanced, breaking the bottleneck of limited interaction distance in free space and enabling the system sensitivity to exceed traditional limits. 2. Multi-band parallel processing: By introducing a combination of multi-beam arrays and multi-mode cavities or cavity arrays, spatial frequency domain separation is achieved. This solves the problem of narrow response bandwidth of a single Rydberg sensor, allowing a single system to simultaneously monitor multiple microwave signals of different frequencies without interference between them. 3. High system integration: Integrating the atomic gas cell within the microwave cavity and combining it with an optical fiber-guided beam array avoids the complex debugging of discrete optical platforms, facilitating the realization of miniaturized and integrated quantum microwave receiving front-ends.
[0072] This example provides a Rydberg atom enhancement detection device with multiple beams in a microwave cavity, which can be used to receive microwave signals using the TE101 mode of a rectangular microwave cavity. The device includes a rectangular oxygen-free copper microwave resonant cavity containing a cuboid cesium atom gas chamber. A laser system generates a probe beam with a wavelength of 852 nm and a coupling beam with a wavelength of 509 nm (for a two-photon excitation scheme). The probe and coupling beams are split into four parallel beams (2x2) using fiber optic beam splitters (optical beam splitter arrays) and an acousto-optic modulator (AOM), forming a two-dimensional array. Alternatively, the probe and coupling beams can be split into three beams (3x2). These four beam generation modules guide the probe and coupling beams to optical apertures on the cavity sidewalls via fiber optic arrays, and then through the atom gas chamber (vapor chamber). Four photodetectors corresponding to the four beams simultaneously acquire signals, and after computer processing, the electric field information can be output simultaneously. This scheme achieves cavity enhancement, improving sensitivity by approximately one to two orders of magnitude compared to a single beam without a cavity.
[0073] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.
Claims
1. A Rydberg atom enhancement detection device with multiple beams in a microwave cavity, characterized in that, include: The system includes a multi-beam generation module, an atomic gas chamber module, a microwave cavity module, and a signal processing module. The atomic gas chamber module is installed in the microwave cavity module. The multi-beam generation module outputs multiple beams. The atomic gas chamber module, the microwave cavity module, and the signal processing module are all located on the optical paths of the multiple beams.
2. The Rydberg atom enhancement detection device with multiple beams in a microwave cavity according to claim 1, characterized in that, A multi-beam consists of multiple probe beams and coupling beams that are spatially independent; the multi-beams form a beam array.
3. The Rydberg atom enhancement detection device with multiple beams in a microwave cavity according to claim 2, characterized in that, The multi-beam generation module includes: a probe laser, a coupling laser, an optical beam splitter, and multiple acousto-optic modulators for independently adjusting the frequency and phase of each beam. The probe laser and the coupling laser are located on opposite sides of the microwave cavity module, respectively. The optical beam splitter, the acousto-optic modulator, and the microwave cavity module are all located on the optical paths of the probe laser and the coupling laser. The beam array can be a square beam array, a rectangular beam array, or a ring beam array.
4. The Rydberg atom enhancement detection device with multiple beams in a microwave cavity according to claim 1, characterized in that, The atomic gas chamber module is encapsulated with alkali metal atomic vapor.
5. The Rydberg atom enhancement detection device with multiple beams in a microwave cavity according to claim 1, characterized in that, The microwave cavity module is provided with a microwave field enhancement region, and the atomic gas cell module is located within the microwave field enhancement region. The multiple beams correspond to microwave field enhancement regions at different spatial locations within the microwave cavity module; the microwave cavity module has a cuboid or cylindrical structure; the microwave cavity module is provided with multiple through holes, through which the multiple beams enter the microwave cavity module.
6. The Rydberg atom enhancement detection device with multiple beams in a microwave cavity according to claim 1, characterized in that, The microwave cavity module is a multimode microwave resonant cavity that supports multiple resonant modes at different frequencies. The multiple beams are located at the antinodes of the electric fields of different resonant modes within the multimode microwave resonant cavity. The atomic gas chamber module is located at the exact center of the microwave cavity module.
7. A Rydberg atom enhancement detection device with multiple beams in a microwave cavity according to claim 1, characterized in that, The microwave cavity module includes multiple microwave sub-cavities with different electric field enhancement modes and independently set, and the multiple independent microwave sub-cavities are arranged in an array structure; the multiple beams in the beam array pass through the multiple microwave sub-cavities respectively.
8. A Rydberg atom enhancement detection device with multiple beams in a microwave cavity according to claim 1, characterized in that, The signal processing module includes a photodetector array for parallel acquisition of optical signals from multiple probe beams after they pass through the atomic gas cell module. The positions of the photodetector array correspond to the positions of the multiple beams in the beam array.
9. A method for Rydberg atom enhancement detection using multiple beams in a microwave cavity, characterized in that, Based on any one of claims 1 to 8, the Rydberg atom enhancement detection device for multiple beams in a microwave cavity, the Rydberg atom enhancement detection method for multiple beams in a microwave cavity includes: S1. Feed the microwave signal to be tested into the microwave cavity module so that the microwave signal to be tested forms a resonant and enhanced microwave field distribution within the microwave cavity module; S2. Through the multi-beam generation module, multiple beams are incident on the atomic gas chamber module, and the multiple beams interact with the Rydberg atoms in the microwave field enhancement region. S3. The signal processing module is used to collect the spectral changes of multiple beams and invert the microwave electric field intensity information at the corresponding spatial locations.
10. The Rydberg atom enhancement detection method for multiple beams in a microwave cavity according to claim 9, characterized in that, Step S3 includes: determining the frequency information of the microwave signal to be measured by identifying the spatial position of the multiple beams that generate spectral changes in the beam array; for multimode microwave resonant cavities, demodulating the intensity and phase of the microwave signal at the corresponding frequency by distinguishing the spatial positions of different beams; and for cavity arrays, directly obtaining the measurement results through the signal channels of the corresponding microwave subcavities.