At West Point, researchers are innovating new ways to detect and characterize radio frequency signals to better support warfighting through more stealthy military surveillance.

As the modern battlefield evolves, so does the need for warfighters to adapt to new technologies to engage and counter our enemies. While a traditional antenna produces a detectable signature, a quantum antenna does not. At West Point, researchers are innovating new ways to detect and characterize radio frequency signals to better support warfighting through more stealthy military surveillance.

“We must produce leaders who are familiar with the manipulation of atoms at the quantum scale so that when the supporting technologies advance and miniaturize, this type of technology can be deployed in support of our warfighting mission,” said Lieutenant Colonel Brian Holloway, Director of the Photonics Research Center. Researchers from the Photonics Research Center and the Army Research Lab have been collaborating on a project titled “Rydberg Atom-Based Quantum Antenna.” In support of this effort, a team of cadets, guided by faculty from the Departments of Physics and Nuclear Engineering (PANE) and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, recently demonstrated the quantum antenna in the Photonics Research Center.

This project directly supports Department of Defense priorities outlined in the National Quantum Initiative Act, passed by Congress and signed into law in 2018, which calls for a federal program to accelerate quantum research and development for the economic and national security of the United States, according to West Point Physics Professor, Dr. David Kashinski.

Cadet Michael Speer, Class of ‘26 and a Physics major, became involved with the project through Holloway.

“I enjoyed working with Lt. Col. Holloway and wanted to apply the knowledge that I learned in the classroom to real life, so I asked to be part of the team,” Speer said.

Speer explained his experience working on the project.

This semester, Speer focused on learning how to operate the microwave signal generator. For this project, the team used it as a source of radio frequency signals.

Besides engaging in what Speer called a “unique experience,” he also learned a lot about the theoretical and computational aspects behind the projects. Moreover, Speer and teammates Tyler Catapano, Class of ‘26, and Christian Custodio, Class ’27, presented it at the Cosmic Pathways Physics Conference at the City University of New York in March.

Speer added that the project taught him valuable leadership lessons, such as problem-solving and the ability to communicate a process in terms understandable to groups outside of physics professionals, such as high school students.

This collaboration has demonstrated the significant role that USMA plays in anticipating and adapting to the needs of warfighters to develop a strong and effective fighting force.

The Quantum Antenna project is part of West Point's 26th annual Projects Day Research Symposium that showcases more than 350 cadet-led research projects. Check out more project features at https://www.westpoint.edu/werx.