SBIR-STTR Award

ColdQuanta seeks to develop compact vapor cells designed specifically for high-accuracy RF metrology with Rydberg atoms. Sensors utilizing these vapor cells can take advantage of Rydberg atoms’ exceptional sensitivity to RF, microwave, and millimeter radiation between 1 and 1000 GHz. Featuring resolutions down to the uV/cm level, the accuracy of these devices will be at least ten times better than existing technologies (e.g. dipole probes). In addition, these sensors will be self-calibrating, allowing their accuracy to be attained in the field without relative standards or external calibration sources.In Phase I, we will focus on the interaction between the external RF electromagnetic field and the dielectric medium of the cell itself. Scattering of the RF field off of the cell (e.g. diffraction, reflection, and absorption) is a systematic effect that can change the electric field amplitude “seen” by the atoms. To quantify the impact of cell scattering on sensor accuracy, a full numerical model is needed. We will develop these tools to help understand which cell geometries and physical features minimize scattering and enhance electric field uniformity throughout the interior volume of the cell.

ColdQuanta seeks to develop compact, stemless vapor cells designed specifically for high-accuracy RF electric field (E-field) metrology with Rydberg atoms. Sensors utilizing these vapor cells can take advantage of Rydberg atoms’ exceptional sensitivity to RF, microwave, and millimeter radiation between 1 and 1000 GHz. Featuring resolutions down to the uV/cm level, the accuracy of these devices will be at least ten times better than existing technologies (e.g. dipole probes). In addition, these sensors will be self-calibrating, allowing their accuracy to be attained in the field without relative standards or external calibration sources.In Phase II, we will construct stemless, all-glass vapor cells that minimize perturbations in electric fields. ColdQuanta will construct the cells using contact bonding, removing the need for stems left from glass blowing. The cells are designed to be capable of electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT), and to achieve 40% absorption at room temperature. Additionally, the cells will undergo a detailed 3D simulation to determine the effect of the cell on external E-fields. ColdQuanta will also design a fiber-coupled system that incorporates the compact vapor cells.