Atom-based RF electric field measurements: An initial investigation of the measurement uncertainties

Abstract

We discuss a new method for the measurement of electric (E) fields that will lead to a self-calibrating, direct SI-traceable E-field probe. The technique is based on radio frequency E-field interactions with alkali atoms placed in glass cells. After we present the concept of this approach and present some experimental data to show its validity, we give a discussion of the different types of uncertainties that are associated with this new approach. We discuss how the uncertainties of this approach compare to commonly used E-field measurement techniques.