"Quantum Radio Receiver Being Trialled by BT to Boost 5G And IoT"

BT researchers are trialing a hyper-sensitive quantum Atomic Radio Frequency (RF) receiver to boost next-generation 5G & IoT networks in the UK.  According to BT, the quantum antenna technology uses "excited atoms" and is predicted to deliver over 100x greater sensitivity than traditional receivers, with the potential to close the rural connectivity gap across the UK.  the researchers noted that a quantum effect called "electromagnetically induced transparency" is utilized to form a highly sensitive electric field detector, which could boost the capability of next-gen 5G and IoT.  If successful,  the researchers noted that mobile network energy consumption might be reduced, enabling IoT devices to become more cost-efficient and longer lasting.  It could also support lower-cost smart cities and smart agriculture.  Theoretically, over 100x more sensitive than traditional receivers, the atomic RF Receiver can be positioned in traditionally hard-to-reach locations, potentially bringing mobile networks closer to achieving 100% coverage nationally.  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, but this initiative provides an industrial demonstration using digital modulation within one of partner EE's main commercial 5G frequency ranges.  In the future, BT researchers want the emerging infrastructure to form the basis of ultra-sensitive 5G receivers for use in very low-power passive mobile networks.

Information Age reports: "Quantum Radio Receiver Being Trialled by BT to Boost 5G And IoT"