Quantum Optics Seminar by Michal Parniak

Quantum sensing and transduction with Rydberg atoms

Rydberg atoms can interact strongly with each other, which is the basis for their applications in quantum computing and simulation. The very same property allows them to also act as exceptional sensors. In my talk I will describe our story of developing new microwave and mm-wave sensors based on Rydberg atoms. In particular, I will describe two unconventional approaches we have undertaken.
First, in a hot atom system we employ a complex loop of transitions to achieve sensing via transduction, which has allowed us to receive thermal radiation. In the most recent experiment, with the goal to reach more fundamental limits than available in hot-atom systems, we tried to use a cold-atom system along with the most-standard Ramsey-sequence protocol to combine optimized signal collection with photon-counting detection. Here, we have observed atomic interaction effects which suggest a collective gain can be achieved in the understanding of quantum metrology, even though the interaction caused collective dephasing.
Overall, the exploration of Rydberg sensing stems from the simple observation of exceptional sensitivity to microwaves, but rapidly leads to both fascinating applications for example in space technologies, as well as interesting fundamental metrological questions.