Quantum-based microwave power measurements: Proof-of-concept experiment

Abstract

We present an initial proof-of-concept experiment to measure microwave power based on quantum-mechanical principles. Ground-state cesium atoms exposed to microwaves at 9.192 631 770 GHz oscillate between two hyperfine states at a rate that is proportional to the rf magnetic field strength. This provides a quantum-based method of measuring rf field strength that depends only on the fundamental parameters in the proportionality constant. A small fountain apparatus was used to prepare laser-cooled cesium atoms in a single hyperfine state, which were then launched through a cylindrical cavity operating in the TE011 mode. After passing through the cavity, the fraction of atoms in the two hyperfine states was measured. Rabi oscillations between the two states were observed as a function of microwave field strength. The scaling with field strength and with time in the cavity agreed with theory to within 0.4%. The field strength in the cavity was used, together with measured S parameters, to determine the microwave power incident at a reference plane outside the fountain apparatus. The difference between the quantum-based microwave power measurement and a traditional microwave power measurement was less than 5% of the measured power.