Rydberg Technologies Demos First Long-Range Quantum Radio in US Army Test

Quantum research company Rydberg Technologies has demonstrated for the first time long-range radio communication via its atomic receiver with quantum sensor. 

According to the Ann Arbor, Michigan-based start-up company, the radio technology could help avoid hacking or jamming radio transmissions. Rydberg presented the atomic receiver’s prototype during the recent U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command’s C5ISR Center Network Modernization Experiment 2023, Defense One reported Thursday. 

Dave Anderson, Rydberg’s CEO, said in a press release that the company demonstrated the “smallest ever atomic receiver at frequencies and long-range communication distances that show a clear path” onward to “real-world applications.” He further told Defense One that work needs to be further done to “miniaturize and ruggedize” the radio technology for broad deployment.

According to the company’s press statement, the Rydberg receiver features a single atomic detector element that offers high sensitivity, selectivity and wideband coverage. It also offers the potential for networking capabilities from long-wavelength radio frequency to millimeter-wave and terahertz bands, Rydberg added. 

Rydberg developed the receiver with funding from the National Security Innovation Capital under the Department of Defense’s Defense Innovation Unit.