New quantum receiver the first to detect entire radio frequency spectrum

A new quantum sensor can analyze the full spectrum of radio frequency and real-world signals, unleashing new potentials for soldier communications, spectrum awareness and electronic warfare.

https://phys.org/news/2021-02-quantum-entire-radio-frequency-spectrum.html

 

"4-MHz instantaneous bandwidth" - the paper's abstract
DOD has had some pretty fancy radios. First gulf war they had a 'portable' with 5oo kHz instantaneous bandwidth from DC to near 10 GHz. IIRC it could display six 500 kHz segments at once on it's orange plasma screen. All manner of demodulators built in too.

Rydberg Atom

 

Wideband RX is not a real issue--so, what is the claimed advantage?

BTW that dish shown hardly has the capability of being 'wideband'....

Here's a better reference:

1803.03545 (arxiv.org)

 

The problem with Quantum Radios is the difficulty in finding trained Quantum Mechanics to maintain them....

 

Reminds me of a joke ad I did in 1975--

THERE"S BIG MONEY IN RADIO telescope REPAIR!!

You took me back

 

Ehhh, I'm waiting for them to work the bugs out with the first gen...

 

Remember: "Technician" is half technical and half magician.

 

What about it is quantum?

do I own a quantum SDR now?

 

With a quantum radio you can either hear the signal precisely, or know it's frequency precisely, but not both at the same time.

 

I BELIEVE THAT!