RYDBERG TECHNOLOGIES INC — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: SB152-003
RYDBERG TECHNOLOGIES INC — SBIR Phase I award from Department of Defense.
Phase I SBIR feasibility signal
- Phase I awards fund proof-of-concept work. For capture teams, they mark early interest from Department of Defense in a technical approach.
- Watch for Phase II follow-ons from the same firm/topic family — that conversion path is where budgets and transition pressure rise.
- Obligated amount $149,997. Cross-check similar awards in the same agency and technology tags for going-rate context.
- Topic code SB152-003 links this award to a solicitation family — search the same topic stem for incumbents and recompete timing.
- Amount
- $149,997
- Agency
- Department of Defense · Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency
- Program / Phase
- SBIR · Phase I
- Topic
- SB152-003
- Solicitation
- 2015.2
- NAICS
- —
- Place of performance
- MI
- Period
- 2015-09-29 → 2016-10-31
Description
Initial research and development towards a self-calibrated Rydberg-atom-based electric-field and power sensor for microwave and THz radiation is conducted. The sensor operates on atomic-physics and quantum-optics principles, especially electromagnetically induced transparency. Infrared and visual solid-state laser systems are employed to measure the energy levels of Rydberg atoms in room-temperature rubidium vapor cells exposed to the radiation. The observed level shifts and the applied field strength stand in a unique relation that only depends on invariable atomic parameters, not on technical calibration factors. In contrast to traditional instruments, this sensor is calibration-free and does not require an antenna. In the first task, the response of the sensor to strong radiation fields is quantitatively evaluated. The high-field response of the atoms is nonlinear and requires an advanced quantum-physics model known as Floquet theory. The performing company already uses such a model and will develop it further. In the second task, the sensors performance over a frequency range up to 250GHz is evaluated, and in the third task (Phase 1 option) solutions to the problem of atomic vapor-pressure variation are sought. The research includes the development of designs and concepts that will eventually lead to a portable prototype.