Applications of Rydberg Spectroscopy: From Quantum Sensing to Neutral-Atom Quantum Devices

Rydberg atoms—atoms excited to very high principal quantum numbers—possess exaggerated atomic properties such as large electric dipole moments, strong long-range interactions, and exceptional sensitivity to external electric and electromagnetic fields. These unique characteristics have made Rydberg systems an important platform at the intersection of atomic physics, quantum optics, and quantum technology. In particular, advances in Rydberg spectroscopy have enabled powerful methods for probing atomic interactions, controlling coherent quantum dynamics, and developing emerging quantum devices.In recent years, Rydberg-based platforms have demonstrated significant potential for quantum sensing, precision electrometry, and neutral-atom quantum information processing. Spectroscopic techniques play a central role in these developments by enabling precise state preparation, calibration, coherent control, and diagnostics of interacting atomic systems. For example, Rydberg atoms in vapor cells have been used for radio-frequency and terahertz electric-field sensing, offering a promising route toward quantum-based measurement standards. At the same time, arrays of individually trapped neutral atoms excited to Rydberg states are emerging as a leading architecture for quantum simulation and quantum computing.This Research Topic aims to bring together experimental and theoretical advances that demonstrate how Rydberg spectroscopy can enable quantum sensing, quantum metrology, and neutral-atom quantum information technologies.The goal is to highlight how spectroscopic techniques contribute to the measurement, calibration, control, and benchmarking of Rydberg-based quantum devices.We welcome contributions from both experimental and theoretical research that explore new spectroscopic methods, improved measurement protocols, and novel applications of Rydberg systems in emerging quantum technologies.We particularly welcome contributions addressing the following themes:(1) Vapor-Cell RF and THz Sensing & Quantum Metrology:Rydberg-atom electrometry, RF and terahertz detection, calibration and traceability of measurements, uncertainty analysis, and near-field electromagnetic imaging.(2) Quantum Transduction and Hybrid Interfaces:RF-to-optical conversion using Rydberg atoms, hybrid atomic–photonic–microwave platforms, integrated quantum sensors, and noise limits in Rydberg-based transducers.(3) Neutral-Atom Quantum Computing with Rydberg States:Rydberg blockade and Rydberg-dressing gates, spectroscopy-based diagnostics for neutral-atom processors, error mitigation and decoherence mechanisms, and scalable architectures.(4) Quantum RAM using Rydberg States(5) Many-Body Rydberg Physics Probed by Spectroscopy:Strongly interacting Rydberg ensembles, non-equilibrium dynamics, correlation measurements, and spectroscopic probes of programmable quantum simulators.This Research Topic welcomes original research articles, theoretical studies, experimental reports, and review papers that advance the understanding and application of Rydberg spectroscopy in quantum sensing and quantum information science. By bringing together contributions from atomic physics, quantum optics, and emerging quantum technologies, this collection aims to highlight the growing role of Rydberg spectroscopy as a key enabling tool for next-generation quantum devices. Topic editors: Dr. Dipankar Bhattacharyya, Dr. Shrabana Chakrabarti, Amitava Bandyopadhyay Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/82069/applications-of-rydberg-spectroscopy-from-quantum-sensing-to-neutral-atom-quantum-devices