News.am — Scientists from the U.S. Army have developed a new quantum sensor that allows for determining the direction of radio signal propagation in three dimensions. This technology will significantly improve situational awareness on the battlefield, communication security, and the effectiveness of command decisions.
The device operates based on special Rydberg atoms, which are in a highly excited state and are incredibly sensitive to electric fields. Unlike traditional devices that measure electromagnetic field strength in only one direction, this quantum sensor creates a complete three-dimensional "image" of the field, enabling the observation of its direction and movement.
At the heart of the device is a small glass cell filled with rubidium atoms. Using laser beams, the atoms are brought into a Rydberg state, and when a radio wave enters the cell, the atoms react immediately, revealing the precise parameters of the field.
Despite its small size of just a few centimeters, the sensor demonstrates an accuracy of approximately two degrees. It enables the easy localization of radio signal sources even in the most complex electromagnetic environments. This represents a new phase in the development of military technology.
