  Blackbody radiation (BBR) sources are calculable radiation sources that are
frequently used in radiometry, temperature dissemination, and remote sensing.
Despite their ubiquity, blackbody sources and radiometers have a plethora of
systematics. We envision a new, primary route to measuring blackbody radiation
using ensembles of polarizable quantum systems, such as Rydberg atoms and
diatomic molecules. Quantum measurements with these exquisite electric field
sensors could enable active feedback, improved design, and, ultimately, lower
radiometric and thermal uncertainties of blackbody standards. A portable,
calibration-free Rydberg-atom physics package could also complement a variety
of classical radiation detector and thermometers. The successful merger of
quantum and blackbody-based measurements provides a new, fundamental paradigm
for blackbody physics.
