A diagram showcasing Shanxi University's research on atomic superheterodyne receiver based on microwave-dressed Rydberg spectroscopy [Photo/sxu.edu.cn]

Researchers at the Institute of Laser Spectroscopy at Shanxi University (SXU) on June 1 published their findings on highly sensitive phases and frequency-resolved detection of microwave electric fields in Nature Physics, a monthly British scientific journal.

The university's research team demonstrated a conceptually new microwave electric field sensor – the Rydberg-atom superheterodyne receiver, or superhet, in their research article.

This sensor allows the most sensitive and International System of Units-traceable microwave phase sensitive measurements so far in the world.

The university's research and findings will have an impact in the fields such as radio astronomy, radar technology and metrology.