BT has turned to atoms to deliver over 100x greater sensitivity in 5G receiver antennas compared to traditional receivers. The pioneering trial of a new hyper-sensitive quantum antenna is using excited atomic states to significantly boost the capability of next-generation communications and IoT networks, in turn making applications such as smart cities and smart agriculture run efficiently and at low cost.
Atomic RF receiver technology is a new way of detecting radio waves that could find much weaker signals than conventional receivers. The receiver works by using a quantum effect called “electromagnetically-induced transparency” to form a highly-sensitive electric field detector. It has the potential to offer tuneable operation from very low frequencies, reducing the need for more electronics. The new technology could in future form the basis of ultra-sensitive 5G receivers for use in very-low-power passive mobile networks.
BT’s trial represents the first time a digitally-encoded message has been received on a 3.6GHz (5G) carrier frequency. Previously, simple audio has been received using much higher frequencies, however this trial is the first industrial demonstration using digital modulation within one of mobile phone operator’s (EE) main commercial 5G frequency ranges. Theoretically, the atomic RF receiver can be positioned in a passive optical receiver in hard-to-reach locations, potentially bringing mobile networks closer to achieving a 100% coverage and helping to close the connectivity divide.
Researchers at BT Labs in Martlesham are now working to miniaturise the equipment and find the optimum RF modulation and signal processing for potential use in future generations of radio networks.
“BT’s investment in cutting-edge R&D plays a central role in ensuring the UK remains a network technology leader. Our programme has huge potential to boost the performance of our next generation EE network and deliver an even better service to our customers. Although it’s early days for the technology, we’re proud to be playing an instrumental role in developing cutting edge science,” said Howard Watson, BT’s CTO.
[Image: Jakub Pabis for Unsplash]
