Detection of far-infrared radiation using Rydberg atoms

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Abstract
A new method for detecting far‐infrared radiation is demonstrated. The far‐infrared radiation induces transitions between highly excited (Rydberg) levels of Na. These transitions can be detected by selective field ionization. The method is capable of providing narrow‐band detection with essentially continuous tuning throughout the infrared and far‐infrared range. We have detected radiation from a laser source at 496 and 118 μ with a 1‐MHz bandwidth. A noise equivalent power of 5×10−15 W/Hz1/2 was measured at 496 μ.