Rydberg Airborne Instrument Demonstration (RAID) (RAID)

We propose to demonstrate an airborne instrument that uses Rydberg atoms and satellite signals of opportunity (SoOp) with multiple frequencies to study dynamics and transients of the vertical profile of land surface wetness (LSW). LSW is quantified by measurements of the vertical profiles of soil moisture content (SMC) and vegetation water content (VWC), addressing key science needs in land surface hydrology (LSH). The SoOp signals with multiple frequencies spanning VHF/I-K bands provide sensitivity to different penetration depths and water state variables, and removes the requirement for spectrum allocation to actively transmit for science. This enables broad-spectrum remote sensing that is not feasible conventionally due to differing types and size of antennas and RF electronics needed in classical radars. The Rydberg atomic remote sensing technique leverages work in a prior NASA funded programs (IIP-ICD and NIAC Phase 1 and 2), using Quantum Rydberg Receivers (QRR) to enable a high sensitivity, dynamically tunable, and ultra-broad-spectrum radar system. The Rydberg Airborne Instrument Demonstration (RAID) instrument concept vastly improves the existing radar capability to study dynamics and transients of the Earth system by enabling a single-detector-based measurement covering the entire 'radio window' (0-30 GHz) in a small form-factor architecture. This novel technology has the potential to enable multi-science applications covering various bands and applications on a single platform, including in focus areas of planetary boundary layer (PBL), surface topography and vegetation (STV), surface deformation and change (SDC), and sub-surface structure and change (SSC). 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 (3) does not require band-specific antenna or componentry, and (4) has a compact form-factor. The objective of this proposal is to develop an instrument technology demonstration that uses multi-satellite and multi-frequency signal of opportunity (SoOp) to measure dynamics and transients of the vertical profile of LSW. The benefit of this concept is that it dynamically retrieves the vertical profiles of VWC and SMC from canopy to deep-root-zone using collocated detection from VHF/I-C bands, which are sensitive to variables including canopy water content, vegetation water content, as well as near-surface and deeper root-zone soil moisture. We include an exploratory focus to study multi-frequency (VHF/I-K bands) topography in connection with a future potential Surface, Topography, and Vegetation (STV) mission. The proposed instrument design leverages recent advances in QRR for remote sensing, to include techniques for microwave dressing of the atoms, coherent processing of atomic data, and coupling of Rydberg sensors to broadband focusing reflectors as well as integrated resonators. These advances enable us to realize ground validation in Year 1, followed by a flight integration and test in Year 2, and two science flights as part of a technology demonstration in Year 3. RAID is composed of two QRR systems (pointed at nadir and zenith), each coupled with resonators and a broadband reflector, as well as complete atomic physics instrumentation to retrieve the vertical profiles or SMC and VWC. In addition, RAID will include two classical receivers to provide reference measurements and validation at a single band. Primary bands addressed are SoOps at 137MHz/260MHz/360MHz/1.5GHz/2.3GHz/ 3.9GHz (I/P/L/S/C bands), however RAID will also demonstrate measurements at multiple higher frequencies at 12.4/18.5/20.7GHz (Ku/K bands). The concept has an entry level TRL of 3, with many critical components and subsystems at a considerably higher TRL. We will raise to TRL 5 over the 3-year effort (period of performance is October 2024-September 2027), in preparation for a space demonstration starting in FY28.

Increase scientific understanding of natural phenomena using remote sensing.

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