QUAntum teraheRTZ Sensor using rydberg atoms
Lead Research Organisation:
Durham University
Department Name: Physics
Abstract
The project will develop a novel terahertz (THz) detector using Rydberg atoms, which will be compact, inexpensive, room-temperature, and have high sensitivity, potentially down to single photon level. It will exploit recent breakthroughs in manipulating and interrogating atoms in Rydberg quantum states. To this aim, a "proof of concept" prototype will be built and characterised. Rydberg atoms are highly excited atoms that have one or more electrons in quantum states whose energy-level structure is similar to that of the hydrogen atom. Atoms in Rydberg states are characterised by strong response to electromagnetic fields, in particular to fields at microwave and terahertz frequencies (0.01-10 THz or 30-30000 micrometers), in effect acting as THz optical transducers. High-sensitivity THz detectors are typically bulky and require cryogenic cooling, making them unsuitable for many applications and severely limiting the uptake of THz technologies, especially in industrial settings. The Rydberg THz detector will address this problem, offering a transformative technology for THz sensing and imaging and providing a platform for industrial applications in nondestructive testing and quality control.
Planned Impact
1. Academic impact
This applied research will develop a room-temperature microwave and THz detector which will find many applications within scientific research, for example replacing the cryogenic detectors used in Astronomy, aiding the design of antennae array etc.
2. Technological impact
THz technologies are finding increasing uses all the time.
Immediate examples of industrial applications made possible by the Rydberg THz sensor include:
Condition monitoring of lubricating oils in engines and other machinery,
Condition monitoring or fuel in tanks, e.g. in shipping,
Inspection of coating uniformity, of paints or other non-metallic coatings
Nondestructive inspection for metal corrosion concealed by over-coated paint
Monitoring of moisture levels during drying in e.g. paper manufacturing.
In the longer term, this technology could be applied the a wider range of applications including;
Security scanning at airports and ports,
New high frequency wireless technologies,
New high resolution RADAR techniques,
Biological and medical scanning, etc.
3. Training
The proposal will produce highly trained personnel. The close synergy between experiment and theory and the interdisciplinary nature of the project will result in a broad training that will equip all personnel with a unique and special skill base.
4. Outreach
The researchers involved have a strong track record of outreach in local schools, hosting school visits (for the latest activity, see e.g. http://www.jqc.org.uk/news/article/primary-school-visit/2014-05-01/12663), and public lectures.
We plan to continue these activities with aim of enhancing the profile of science in our respective regions.
This applied research will develop a room-temperature microwave and THz detector which will find many applications within scientific research, for example replacing the cryogenic detectors used in Astronomy, aiding the design of antennae array etc.
2. Technological impact
THz technologies are finding increasing uses all the time.
Immediate examples of industrial applications made possible by the Rydberg THz sensor include:
Condition monitoring of lubricating oils in engines and other machinery,
Condition monitoring or fuel in tanks, e.g. in shipping,
Inspection of coating uniformity, of paints or other non-metallic coatings
Nondestructive inspection for metal corrosion concealed by over-coated paint
Monitoring of moisture levels during drying in e.g. paper manufacturing.
In the longer term, this technology could be applied the a wider range of applications including;
Security scanning at airports and ports,
New high frequency wireless technologies,
New high resolution RADAR techniques,
Biological and medical scanning, etc.
3. Training
The proposal will produce highly trained personnel. The close synergy between experiment and theory and the interdisciplinary nature of the project will result in a broad training that will equip all personnel with a unique and special skill base.
4. Outreach
The researchers involved have a strong track record of outreach in local schools, hosting school visits (for the latest activity, see e.g. http://www.jqc.org.uk/news/article/primary-school-visit/2014-05-01/12663), and public lectures.
We plan to continue these activities with aim of enhancing the profile of science in our respective regions.
Publications
Chen S
(2022)
Terahertz electrometry via infrared spectroscopy of atomic vapor
in Optica
Downes L
(2020)
Full-Field Terahertz Imaging at Kilohertz Frame Rates Using Atomic Vapor
in Physical Review X
Downes L
(2023)
A practical guide to terahertz imaging using thermal atomic vapour
in New Journal of Physics
Reed D
(2018)
Low-drift Zeeman shifted atomic frequency reference
Reed D
(2018)
Low-drift Zeeman shifted atomic frequency reference
in OSA Continuum
Description | We are able to capture high speed video in the terahertz range, a result not possible with any other technology. At the heart of our technique is a THz to optical conversion technique which takes place in atoms with very high efficiency. |
Exploitation Route | We have successfully applied for further innovate UK funding with new industrial collaborators to make a miniaturised version of our imager. These collaborators are Unitive Design and Analysis Plc. Alter Technology the Fraunhofer CAP. |
Sectors | Aerospace Defence and Marine Construction Healthcare Manufacturing including Industrial Biotechology Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology |
Description | Our finding have led to a parent application on ultra-fast THz imaging techniques. Publication Number GB2577727 Application number GB1816205.7 We are in discussions with a consultancy firm to facilitate licensing of the technology to a medical instrumentation company. Furthermore, we have developed a new collaboration with Unitive Design and Analysis plc. Alter Technology, Proctor and Gamble and Fraunhofer CAP to miniaturise the technology and focus on applications in non-destructive testing. |
First Year Of Impact | 2017 |
Sector | Aerospace, Defence and Marine,Construction,Healthcare,Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology,Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology,Security and Diplomacy |
Impact Types | Societal Economic |
Description | Electromagnetically Induced Transparency with Rydberg Atoms - Towards an Atomic Radio for Wireless Communications |
Amount | £128,145 (GBP) |
Funding ID | EP/W009404/1 |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 05/2022 |
End | 11/2023 |
Description | ISCF Commercialising quantum technologies: feasibility studies round 3 - RALFS - Rydberg Atom Low Frequency Sensing |
Amount | £195,142 (GBP) |
Funding ID | 10031691 |
Organisation | Innovate UK |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 11/2022 |
End | 04/2023 |
Description | Industrial partnership with M squared lasers |
Organisation | M Squared Lasers Ltd |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | We use our fundamental research to inform the design of a demonstrator E-field sensor in the THz range. |
Collaborator Contribution | M squared provide engineering and business expertise to develop the demonstrator sensor towards higher TRL. |
Impact | Ph.D. Student funded. Development of demonstrator sensor underway. |
Start Year | 2017 |