Quantum Atomic Rydberg Radiometer for Earth Measurements (QuARREM)

Decades of operational and scientific mission experience have proven that microwave radiometers (MR) are invaluable for collecting accurate, frequent data resulting in atmospheric sounding and surface imaging measurements of a wide range of geophysical phenomena. Retrievals of atmospheric temperature and humidity profiles are obtained routinely from several MR (e.g. ATMS, AMSU, SSMI/S) using channels near the 60 GHz (V-band) oxygen and 183 GHz (G-band) water absorption features. These data, and the derived profiles, support scientific research and are key inputs to weather forecasts and climate models. The European Center for Medium-range Weather Forecasts has determined that sounding from MRs provides the single greatest benefit to weather forecasting of any measurement type. Budget pressures are driving a re-evaluation of the entire weather observation architecture with opportunities seen in alternative platforms, particularly in relatively inexpensive options that can be deployed as constellations. As these constellation architectures become more competitive with the traditional, large systems they drive innovation in Earth observing technologies. Sensors must evolve to lower Size, Weight and Power (SWaP), without impact to performance to achieve these cost reductions. The proposed Quantum Atomic Rydberg Radiometer for Earth Measurement (QuARREM) MR quantum system replaces RF electronics in conventional MR (i.e., bandpass filters, low noise amplifiers (LNA), mixers and intermediate frequency (IF) channelization electronics) with a single compact atomic vapor cell sensor integrated into a directive antenna. Lasers excite atoms in the vapor to Rydberg states that are highly sensitive to electric fields and frequency selective. QuARREM allows the definition of multiple frequency channels spanning 20 to 200 GHz in the same atomic sensor by tuning one laser. Our atomic system improves radiometric resolution enabled by a sensitivity to bandwidth enhancement of 4 - 40x over conventional MR. Measurement uncertainty is reduced by eliminating the need for external calibration and associated errors through in-measurement SI-traceable self-calibration. QuARREM does not generate 1/f (flicker) noise which is problematic at high frequencies in conventional MR. Finally, our approach provides a low SWaP alternative to conventional MR, via a robust measurement chamber volume less than 5 cm3. The resulting RF/quantum atomic integrated platform is directly applicable to retrievals such as atmospheric moisture and temperature profiles and surface parameters. This QuARREM project includes the following tasks: 1. Fundamental modeling: System modeling and theory extension to supplement previously funded work, will include noise contributions and verify absolute calibration points. The initial emphasis will be on operation within the 50/60 GHz V-band. We will compare this quantum approach to conventional MR. 2. Testbench development: Develop a testbench with capability to explore this phenomenon in direct relation to temperature sounding in the V-band. This development contributes to optimization of the detection architecture, miniaturization of optics, and integration into antennas. 3. Vapor cell fabrication: Concurrent with test bench development, an iterative prototyping of the atomic vapor cell will be performed. This effort is to move from traditional glass "vials" to integrated structures that perform an optimized dual function of RF waveguiding and laser-induced fluorescence. 4. Absolute calibration development: We plan to experimentally demonstrate this concept using a reference cell of the same type prototyped in task 3. Direct comparison to a SI-traceable calibrated blackbody source will be used to gauge performance. The key sub-system in QuARREM is the measurement chamber in task 3. We will focus on making a compact, shock-and-vibration hardened package and will advance the TRL for this component from 2 to 4.

Accelerate mission development and reduce risk by developing critical components and subsystems for advanced instruments and observing systems

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 2) — 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.