The effect of electric field inhomogeneity in Rydberg atom-based electric field sensing

Abstract

The use of Rydberg atoms for radio frequency electric field sensing has emerged as a promising alternative to traditional antenna-based designs that enables all-optical readout. However, the need for atomic vapor cells comprised of dielectric materials can adversely affect the electric field distribution at the probing volume. Here we describe the effects of electric field inhomogeneity on measured optical electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) spectra. This is accomplished using custom-designed waveguide-embedded atomic vapor cells with stub tuners that allow control of the degree of electric field inhomogeneity within the cell. We describe the resulting broadening of the measured EIT feature and the associated reduction in magnitude, which results in an overall reduced sensitivity of the resulting measurement.