Quantum technologies researched at the University of Warsaw will contribute to the development of a receiver prototype for space missions. The project, led by Michał Parniak, Ph.D., from the Centre for Quantum Optical Technologies at the Centre for New Technologies at CeNT UW and the Faculty of Physics at the University of Warsaw, is commissioned by the European Space Agency.
In the age of information it is necessary to keep track of various radio frequencies that people around the globe are communicating with. What is more, observing some of these radio frequencies can tell us about the properties of various parts of our environment: soil, atmosphere and winds. All these tasks can be performed by radio satellites, which are able to observe a large area of Earth at once. The ideal satellite should be versatile and lightweight so that it can observe a wide range of radio frequencies, but simultaneously it should not be too expensive to send it into orbit.
– Here, atom-based receivers are very promising, as they are able to detect a lot of different frequencies with a single device – a feat that no conventional antenna is capable of. These receivers employ Rydberg atoms – enlarged atoms specially prepared using lasers, which can be used in sensing of microwave, terahertz and other radio frequencies. This cutting-edge detection technology connects the research in quantum optics with commercial uses, and has already been speculated to provide new tools in space missions – says prof. Michał Parniak.
Research at the UW
The scientists at the UW’s Centre for Quantum Optical Technologies have been researching such Rydberg radio receivers for a few years. The group of dr. hab. Michał Parniak has already achieved worldwide recognition in the field. Now, they are undertaking the task of technology transfer to help future space engineers in designing the novel atomic receivers: a prototype of Rydberg radio receiver for space missions is to be developed and tested in the Quantum Optical Devices Laboratory. The project is carried out under a programme of and funded by the European Space Agency.
– RYDAR: Rydberg Detector for Advanced RF Payloads is the awarded project in the European Space Agency’s call for tenders concerning the development of atomic receivers for space missions. The project is valued at 600k€ and its objective is to provide a documented demonstration of this novel technology and a set of tools (expert analyses and software), construct a breadboard prototype of the Rydberg radio receiver and propose a technology roadmap – explains prof. Parniak.
The project is carried out by UW’s scientists at UWRC – the university’s special purpose vehicle. UWRC is acting as the main contractor for the European Space Agency, supporting the expertise in Rydberg sensing technology. Thales Alenia Space Italia has been designated as a subcontractor responsible for expertise in space radio sensing technology.