Laser-powered quantum radio works without electricity or antennas

Physicists at the University of Warsaw have developed the world’s first all-optical quantum radio receiver powered solely by laser light, eliminating the need for traditional metal antennas and electrical circuits. This innovative device uses rubidium atoms excited to Rydberg states by ultra-stable lasers to detect and decode radio waves. When radio signals pass through the rubidium vapor, they subtly alter the atomic electron orbits, causing the emission of faint infrared light that carries the encoded information. The system employs optical cavities to maintain precise synchronization between the lasers and atoms, enabling accurate detection of signal amplitude and phase. This approach allows the receiver to self-calibrate, sense weak fields with high precision, and operate invisibly without interfering with the radio environment. Unlike conventional receivers, the laser-powered quantum radio is non-invasive and free of metal components, making it potentially miniaturizable to fit on optical fibers for remote and discreet sensing. This breakthrough could revolutionize microwave field calibration and enable new applications such as stealth sensors and satellite-based