Rydberg Passive Antenna Receiver for Low-Loss Uplink Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional passive antenna systems in wireless networks face limitations due to signal loss and distortion caused by coaxial cables and duplex filters, which restrict uplink performance and link budget.

Innovation Solution

Replace receiver portions of passive antennas with Rydberg sensors, utilizing vaporized alkaline element atoms in a glass cell to detect RF carrier signals, and transmit modulated signals via optical fiber, eliminating the need for coaxial cables and duplex filters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional passive antenna systems use coaxial cables and duplex filters for signal transmission, then the system structure is established, but signal loss and distortion occur which restrict uplink performance and link budget

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuplink performanceVSAvoidsignal loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the harmful components (coaxial cables and duplex filters) from the antenna system by replacing the receiver portions with Rydberg sensors. This elimination of intermediate transmission components directly reduces signal loss and distortion, resolving the technical contradiction between maintaining system structure and minimizing signal degradation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the mechanical/electrical signal transmission system (coaxial cables and electrical connectors) with a quantum-based detection system (Rydberg sensors). This replacement transitions from physical signal conduction through lossy media to quantum state-based signal detection, thereby eliminating the signal loss and distortion associated with traditional coaxial cable systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If receiver portions of passive antennas are replaced with Rydberg sensors, then signal distortion and loss are reduced, but the device complexity increases due to new sensor technology

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal qualityVSAvoidsensor system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental operating parameters of the antenna system by transitioning from electrical signal processing to quantum state detection. Rydberg sensors operate based on quantum energy level transitions in alkali atoms, detecting RF signals through changes in atomic states rather than electrical current, thereby improving signal quality while managing complexity through parameter transformation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The Rydberg sensor serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the receiving element, the signal detector, and the interface to optical fiber transmission. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate components (antenna element, LNA, mixer, optical modulator), potentially reducing overall system complexity despite the advanced nature of the sensor itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If coaxial cables and duplex filters are eliminated in favor of Rydberg sensors with optical fiber, then the system architecture is simplified, but new technology integration challenges arise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem architectureVSAvoidtechnology integration

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary conversion mechanism where the Rydberg sensor converts RF carrier signals into optical signals that can be transmitted through optical fiber. This intermediary approach bridges the gap between the quantum sensor domain and the optical communication domain, simplifying the overall architecture by eliminating the need for coaxial cable infrastructure while managing integration challenges through standardized optical interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enhances uplink performance by reducing signal distortion and loss, enabling detection of fainter signals and simplifying RRU architecture with cleaner RF systems.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing vaporized alkaline element atoms in a glass cell to detect RF carrier signals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRydberg atom detection:

Implementation Method 2

transmit modulated signals via optical fiber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical fiber transmission: Optical Fibre

Data Source

PatentUS20250370021A1Rydberg sensor passive antenna radio

Publication Date: 2025.12.04 T MOBILE INNOVATIONS LLC

AI summary

Aspects provided herein provide methods and systems for utilizing a Rydberg sensor passive antenna radio system. Initially, receiver portions of a passive antenna are replaced with a Rydberg sensor. Radio frequency (RF) carrier signals are received at the Rydberg sensor. A modulated signal corresponding to the RF carrier signals is provided from the Rydberg sensor to the base station via an optical fiber.