Two-dimensional sub-half-wavelength atom localization via Autler–Townes microscopy

Abstract

We propose a scheme for two-dimensional (2D) atom localization based on the controllable Autler–Townes spontaneous spectrum in a three-level ladder-type atomic system. The two upper levels are driven by two orthogonal standing-wave fields, where each standing-wave field is constituted of the superposition of two standing-wave fields along the corresponding direction. It is found that, depending on the effect of the asymmetric superposition, the maximal probability of finding an atom within the sub-half-wavelength domain of the standing waves can reach unity with appropriate values of the frequency detuning of the spontaneously emitted photon and the Rabi frequencies and phase shifts associated with the standing-wave fields. Our scheme may provide a promising way to achieve high-precision and high-resolution 2D atom localization.