Millimeter wave sensing and imaging using Autler-Townes induced fluorescence in Rydberg vapor

We present a millimeter-wave imaging system based on fluorescence induced by Autler-Townes splitting in a four-level atomic Rydberg system. By employing counter-propagating probe and coupling beams, we create a plane of atoms in a dark state that is sensitive to incident mmWaves at 91.4 GHz. Objects placed in the mmWave beam path diffract the beam which, when imaged onto the cell using a PTFE lens, induce AT splitting in regions of higher intensity, increasing 780 nm fluorescence at 780 nm. Imaging this fluorescence with an optical camera effectively images the incident mmWave field. The system demonstrates a temporal response time of 16.41 µs, corresponding to a maximum frame rate exceeding 60 kHz, and achieves diffraction-limited spatial resolution. Additionally, we show the ability to image vortex modes generated by 3D-printed phase plates, further demonstrating the system’s versatility. This approach provides a pathway for high-speed and highresolution mmWave imaging, with potential applications in security, communications, and scientific research.