← Back to NASA Technology Projects
Completed TRL 3 (started at 2, targeting 3)
Rydberg Radar builds on the disruptive and proven Quantum Rydberg atomic receiver technology to remotely sense key cryospheric science (CS) processes covering dynamics of ice flow, ice-shelf evolution, snow accumulation, and bedrock (including grounding line) mapping. Rydberg Radar integrates state-of-art high sensitivity, low noise, ultra-broadband, quantum down-conversion – with no antenna/RF front-end/mixers. Configured as a signal-of-opportunity (SoOp) radar receiver, it has vast flexibility to sense dynamics/transients of multiple key cryospheric processes using spatially co-located multi-band navigation/communication signals. Rydberg Radar for CS operates on 6 distinct radar bands from VHF-to-Ku bands (covering 137MHz/255MHz/370MHz/1.2-2.2GHz/5.4-5.7GHz/7-9.6GHz/13.5GHz). Radio reflectometry techniques for SoOp are used to study/measure bedrock topography (137MHz), snow water equivalent (SWE) of snow accumulation (255 and 370MHz), ice sheet dynamics/flow (1.2-2.2GHz), snow accumulation rates (5.4-9.6GHz), and precipitation (13.5GHz). Downlink satellite radio signals with modulated data from multiple classes of science, communication, and navigation satellites are used. The most significant advantages of the proposed technology are that it enables a (1) highly sensitive, (2) dynamically tunable ultra-broad-band radar system that dramatically improves over state-of-art classical radar using quantum Rydberg atomic sensing (10kHz to 1THz), and that (3) it does not require an antenna or RF componentry (detection volume is <1cm3 - fundamentally breaking the Chu limit for antennas in classical radars). The automatic quantum down-conversation due to electromagnetic induced transparency (EIT) brings the incoming radio signaling directly to baseband/IF (intermediate frequency) when the probe-laser signal is sampled by a photodetector. Finally, the Rydberg Radar is ultimately limited by quantum projected noise limit (QPNL), which enables a more sensitive detector than the modern radar. The technology will enable a new class of quantum radar systems that are sensitive, tunable, and deployable-free. Although the focus is on CS transients/dynamics, the successful completion of the proposed study will enable various multi-frequency/-science missions in the future covering all aspects of radar remote sensing – with potential to generate great interest within NASA, the public, and industry covering virtually every application of radio/radar.
NASA Surface, Topography, and Vegetation (STV) mission in the 2030's require an effective solution to enabled dynamic radar remote sensing across the entire radio window within the expected cost cap. Classical approaches to radar remote sensing require multiple satellite and airborne instruments to meet the requirements for STV. QRR provide a disruptive option to enable dynamic sensing and coverage needed by STV and to stay within the cost cap expected.
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.
None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.