Fisher-Based Sensitivity Framework for Rydberg Atom Microwave Electrometry

Abstract

Fisher information provides a rigorous theoretical benchmark for evaluating quantum sensor sensitivity; however, a comprehensive framework for quantifying the fundamental limits of Rydberg-atom microwave electrometers remains lacking. In this work, we establish such a framework by deriving the Fisher information for slope detection and establishing its connection to sensitivity through signal-to-noise ratio, leading to an analytical expression jointly determined by photon shot noise and atomic response. Numerical implementation with real parameters in cesium vapor systems reveals a Fisher-optimized sensitivity below $\mathrm{nV\,cm^{-1}\,Hz^{-1/2}}$, highlighting a substantial potential for sensitivity enhancement in practical experiments through the suppression of technical noise. Importantly, the theory predicts that sub-nanovolt sensitivity is robust against moderate variations in system parameters, thereby delineating both the ultimate sensitivity and optimal operational regime of Rydberg-atom microwave electrometers.