Atomic Vapor Research Articles

Chip-scale sub-Doppler atomic spectroscopy enabled by a metasurface integrated photonic emitter

We demonstrate chip-scale sub-Doppler spectroscopy in an integrated and fiber-coupled photonic-metasurface device. The device is a stack of three planar components: a photonic mode expanding grating emitter circuit with a monolithically integrated tilt-compensating dielectric metasurface, a microfabricated atomic vapor cell, and a mirror. The metasurface photonic circuit efficiently emits a 130 μm wide (1/e2 diameter) collimated surface-normal beam with only −6.3 dB loss and couples the reflected beam back into the waveguide and connecting fiber, requiring no alignment between the stacked components. We develop a simple model based on light propagation through the photonic device to interpret the atomic spectroscopy signals and explain spectral features covering the full Rb hyperfine state manifold. The demonstration of waveguide-to-waveguide coupling through the vapor cell paves the way for atomic ensembles to be used as components in complex photonic integrated circuits, allowing the unique properties of atomic systems to be available for future highly miniaturized optical devices and systems.

Direct generation of time-energy-entangled W triphotons in atomic vapor.

Entangled multiphoton sources are essential for both fundamental tests of quantum foundations and building blocks of contemporary optical quantum technologies. While efforts over the past three decades have focused on creating multiphoton entanglement through multiplexing existing biphoton sources with linear optics and postselections, our work presents a groundbreaking approach. We observe genuine continuous-mode time-energy-entangled W-class triphotons with an unprecedented production rate directly generated through spontaneous six-wave mixing (SSWM) in a four-level triple-Λ atomic vapor cell. Using electromagnetically induced transparency and coherence control, our SSWM scheme allows versatile narrowband triphoton generation with advantageous properties, including long temporal coherence and controllable waveforms. This advancement is ideal for applications like long-distance quantum communications and information processing, bridging single photons and neutral atoms. Most importantly, our work establishes a reliable and efficient genuine triphoton source, facilitating accessible research on multiphoton entanglement.

CoOMBE: A suite of open-source programs for the integration of the optical Bloch equations and Maxwell-Bloch equations

The programs described in this article and distributed with it aim (1) at integrating the optical Bloch equations governing the time evolution of the density matrix representing the quantum state of an atomic system driven by laser or microwave fields, and (2) at integrating the 1D Maxwell-Bloch equations for one or two laser fields co-propagating in an atomic vapour. The rotating wave approximation is assumed. These programs can also be used for more general quantum dynamical systems governed by the Lindblad master equation. They are written in Fortran 90; however, their use does not require any knowledge of Fortran programming. Methods for solving the optical Bloch equations in the rate equations limit, for calculating the steady-state density matrix and for formulating the optical Bloch equations in the weak probe approximation are also described. Program summaryProgram Title: CoOMBECPC Library link to program files:https://doi.org/10.17632/5wsg9d52dk.1Developers' repository link:https://github.com/durham-qlm/CoOMBELicensing provisions: GPLv3Programming language: Fortran 90Nature of problem: The present programs can be used for the following operations: (1) Integrating the optical-Bloch equations within the rotating wave approximation for a multi-state atomic system. At the choice of the user, the calculation will return either the time-dependent density matrix at given times or the density matrix in the long time limit if the system evolves into a steady state in that limit. The calculation can be done with or without averaging over the thermal velocity distribution of the atoms. The number of atomic states which can be included in the calculation is limited only by the CPU time available and possibly by memory requirements. An arbitrarily large number of laser or microwave fields can be included in the calculation if these fields are all CW. This number is currently limited to one or two for fields that are not all CW. The calculation can be done in the weak probe approximation, or in the rate equations approximation, or without assuming either of these two approximations. Calculating refractive indexes, absorption coefficients and complex susceptibilities is also possible. (2) Integrating the 1D Maxwell-Bloch equations in the slowly varying envelope approximation for one or two fields co-propagating in a single-species atomic vapour. Although geared towards the case of atoms interacting with laser fields, this code can also be used for more general quantum systems with similar equations of motion (e.g., molecular systems, spin systems, etc.).Solution method: The Lindblad master equation is expressed as a system of homogeneous first order linear differential equations, which are transformed as required and solved to obtain the density matrix representing the state of the atomic system. A variety of methods are offered to this end. The same approach is also used in the calculation of the polarisation of the medium when integrating the Maxwell-Bloch equations. The latter are integrated over space using predictor-corrector methods. The library includes a general driving program making it possible to use these codes without additional program development. The distribution also includes examples of the use of a container for running these programs without a pre-installed Fortran compiler.

EVALUATION AND RISK ASSESSMENT OF TRACE METAL IN Solanum aethiopicum GROWN AROUND MECHANIC WORKSHOPS IN UMUAHIA ABIA STATE, NIGERIA.

The careless dumping of waste from automobile workshops has significantly increased the concentration of trace metals in the surrounding environment. This study investigated the health risk assessment associated with Solanum aethiopicum fruit consumption. Soil and Solanum aethiopicum, plant from Umuahia automobile workshop were analyzed for As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Li, Ni, Pb and Zn. This was done using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrophotometer (ICP-OES), while Hg was analysed using a Cold Vapour Atomic Fluorescence Spectrophotometer (CV-AFS) after acid digestion. The average concentration of As, Cd, Cu, Zn, Fe, Pb, Ni, Hg, Li and Cr in the fruit were 7.16±0.03, 1.68±0.16, 5.03±0.03, 19.45±0.32, 76.21±0.73, 6.23±0.45, 3.87±0.17, 0.0003±0.0001, 0.003±0.001 and 15.35±0.22 mg/kg, respectively. The HRI obtained for Cd was the highest 1.821 while the THQ was 1.82135. Fruit had trace metal concentrations higher than the USEPA, WHO, and FAO's approved permitted standards. Cd, Cr and Pb were determined to be the primary contributing factor linked to the development of health hazards and carcinogenic risk based on the results of the risk assessment. It is therefore appropriate to educate the public on the potential risks associated with consuming garden eggs from Umuahia automobile workshop.

Deep removal of Sn, Pb, and Sb in refined indium by vacuum distillation

To deeply separate the azeotropic impurities from the refined indium, three novel processes of vacuum distillation by considering the variables of vacuum pressure, loading mass, distillation time, temperature, and the effective vacuum evaporation area are firstly presented. Thermodynamic calculations show that Pb, Sb and Sn can be separated from indium melt by vacuum distillation due to their great difference in saturated vapor pressure and separation coefficient. Experiments show that distillation at 800 ℃ for 7 h under a pressure of 10−3 Pa could achieve the Pb concentration of 0.004 ppm in indium melt by enlarging the evaporation area and small ratio of h1/h4. After 950 ℃ distillation, the concentrations of Sb and Sn in the condensing indium reduced respectively from 0.15 ppm to 0.009 ppm, and 8.1 ppm to 0.05 ppm. Multiple processes of vacuum distillation were used to achieve the 7 N purity of indium, with the removal ratio of over 99.5 %. Besides, it is found out that when the temperature dropped from 1075 ℃ to 780 ℃, the movement stroke of vapor atoms reduced from 509 mm to 209 mm.

Ultrasensitive SERF atomic magnetometer with a miniaturized hybrid vapor cell

The chip-scale hybrid optical pumping spin-exchange relaxation-free (SERF) atomic magnetometer with a single-beam arrangement has prominent applications in biomagnetic measurements because of its outstanding features, including ultrahigh sensitivity, an enhanced signal-to-noise ratio, homogeneous spin polarization and a much simpler optical configuration than other devices. In this work, a miniaturized single-beam hybrid optical pumping SERF atomic magnetometer based on a microfabricated atomic vapor cell is demonstrated. Although the optically thin Cs atoms are spin-polarized, the dense Rb atoms determine the experimental results. The enhanced signal strength and narrowed resonance linewidth are experimentally proven, which shows the superiority of the proposed magnetometer scheme. By using a differential detection scheme, we effectively suppress optical noise with an approximate five-fold improvement. Moreover, the cell temperature markedly affects the performance of the magnetometer. We systematically investigate the effects of temperature on the magnetometer parameters. The theoretical basis for these effects is explained in detail. The developed miniaturized magnetometer has an optimal magnetic sensitivity of 20 fT/Hz1/2. The presented work provides a foundation for the chip-scale integration of ultrahighly sensitive quantum magnetometers that can be used for forward-looking magnetocardiography (MCG) and magnetoencephalography (MEG) applications.

Key Technologies in Developing Chip-Scale Hot Atomic Devices for Precision Quantum Metrology.

Chip-scale devices harnessing the interaction between hot atomic ensembles and light are pushing the boundaries of precision measurement techniques into unprecedented territory. These advancements enable the realization of super-sensitive, miniaturized sensing instruments for measuring various physical parameters. The evolution of this field is propelled by a suite of sophisticated components, including miniaturized single-mode lasers, microfabricated alkali atom vapor cells, compact coil systems, scaled-down heating systems, and the application of cutting-edge micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) technologies. This review delves into the essential technologies needed to develop chip-scale hot atomic devices for quantum metrology, providing a comparative analysis of each technology's features. Concluding with a forward-looking perspective, this review discusses the future potential of chip-scale hot atomic devices and the critical technologies that will drive their advancement.

Radio-Frequency Magnetometry Based on Parametric Resonances.

We propose and demonstrate a radio-frequency (rf) atomic magnetometer based on parametric resonances. Previously, most rf atomic magnetometers are based on magnetic resonances and their sensitivities are often limited by spin-exchange relaxation. Here, we introduce a novel scheme for an rf magnetometer where the rf magnetic field is measured by exciting the parametric resonances instead of magnetic resonances using parametric modulation fields. In this way, the spin-exchange relaxation is almost eliminated. Benefiting from the low spin relaxation rate, the parametric resonance scheme exhibits a narrower linewidth and stronger signal, which results in a higher sensitivity. With a 6×6×3 mm^{3} Rb atomic vapor cell, we developed an rf atomic magnetometer with a noise floor of 2 fT/Hz^{1/2}, which is about one order of magnitude higher than the sensitivity achieved in the magnetic-resonance-based scheme. The presented rf detection scheme holds promise in advancing rf atomic magnetometers and brings new insight into their various applications.

On the reduction of gas permeation through the glass windows of micromachined vapor cells using Al2O3 coatings

Stability and precision of atomic devices are closely tied to the quality and stability of the internal atmosphere of the atomic vapor cells on which they rely. Such an atmosphere can be stabilized by building the cell with low permeation materials such as sapphire or aluminosilicate glass in microfabricated devices. Recently, we have shown that permeation barriers made of Al2O3 thin-film coatings deposited on standard borosilicate glass could be an alternative for buffer gas pressure stabilization. In this study, we, hence, investigate how helium permeation is influenced by the thickness, ranging from 5 to 40 nm, of such Al2O3 thin films coated by atomic layer deposition. Permeation rates are derived from long-term measurements of the pressure-shifted transition frequency of a coherent population trapping (CPT) atomic clock. From thicknesses of 20 nm onward, a significant enhancement of the cell hermeticity is experienced, corresponding to two orders of magnitude lower helium permeation rate. In addition, we test cesium vapor cells filled with neon as a buffer gas and whose windows are coated with 20 nm of Al2O3. As for helium, the permeation rate of neon is significantly reduced, thanks to alumina coatings, leading to a fractional frequency stability of 4×10−12 at 1 day when the cell is used in a CPT clock. These features outperform the typical performances of uncoated Cs–Ne borosilicate cells and highlight the significance of Al2O3 coatings for buffer gas pressure stabilization.

Transformation of optical speckles by atomic vapors: From Rayleigh to Weibull intensity statistics

Transformation of optical speckles by atomic vapors: From Rayleigh to Weibull intensity statistics

Asymmetric diffraction in anti-parity-time symmetry of non-Hermitian photonic lattice

Non-Hermitian systems based on anti-parity-time (PT) symmetry reveal rich physics beyond the Hermitian regime. Here, the anti-PT-symmetric photonic lattice is effectively achieved in a four-level inverted Y-type 85Rb atomic vapor. Such instantaneously reconfigurable anti-PT-symmetric photonic lattice possessing susceptibility of χ(x)=−χ∗(−x), is established by a one-dimensional standing-wave coupling field under the assist of a standing-wave driving field. The input probe beam experiences a periodic refractive index modulation when traveling through the photonic lattice, the evolution of output diffraction patterns with symmetric, asymmetric, and lopsided intensity distribution is obtained by adjusting the relevant parameters of constructed non-Hermitian system. Moreover, the anti-PT symmetry in two-dimensional case of both square and hexagonal lattices are correspondingly realized. Our work promotes the development of non-Hermitian devices, and also has some important applications in quantum simulation.

Numerical investigation on direct water injection characteristics under different injection and ambient conditions within oxygen/argon atmosphere

Improving efficiency and reducing emissions are essential to achieve carbon neutrality in transportation sector. The hydrogen-fueled argon power cycle (H2-APC) is a novel power system with high efficiency and zero emission by utilizing argon-oxygen mixture as working fluids. However, knock suppression is a problem within H2-APC engines. Direct water injection (DWI) is an effective method to inhibit detonation. Spray morphology greatly influences the effectiveness of DWI, the investigation of spray characteristics in oxygen/argon atmosphere is critical. This paper established a computational model based on experimental data to investigate DWI characteristics under different injection and ambient conditions within oxygen/argon atmosphere. The results reveal increased jet temperature leads to stronger superheated jet spray collapse, while Sauter mean diameter (SMD) decreases and atomization improves. Increasing jet pressure effectively reduces spray SMD and improves atomization effect and evaporation rate. Higher ambient temperature reduces ambient gas density, spray SMD and penetration are decreased and increased, respectively. Moreover, spray evaporation rate and evaporated mass are dropped with higher ambient pressure for both superheated and subcooled sprays. As ambient density rises, the capacity for jet perturbation and fragmentation is enhanced, and spray SMD decreases. The research results can provide an effective guide for the DWI strategy of H2-APC engines.

Impact of higher-order laguerre-gaussian modes on electromagnetically induced transparency resonances in $$^{87}$$Rb atomic vapor medium

Impact of higher-order laguerre-gaussian modes on electromagnetically induced transparency resonances in $$^{87}$$Rb atomic vapor medium

Precise synthesis of In–Bi alloy nanodroplets through controlled surface reactions on a Si(111) surface at ambient temperature

The synthesis of alloy nanocatalysts with controllable sizes and shapes is a critical prerequisite for vapor–liquid–solid (VLS) growth of one-dimensional nanostructures. In this work, we comprehensively examined surface reactions between evaporated In atoms and a Bi thin film on a Si(111) surface at ambient temperature. InBi2 liquid nanodroplets nucleate and grow during initial vapor–solid (VS) reaction between the In vapor and surface Bi atoms, and the reaction proceeds until a saturation point is reached, following which InBi2 begins to catalyze subsequent VLS growth of various nanocrystals under persistent In-beam flux. The scaled size distribution of individual InBi2 nanodroplets could be explained adequately using the classical capillary nucleation theory, which suggests that the simultaneous homogeneous nucleation of InBi2 nanodroplets occurs during the vapor–solid (VS) reaction of In and Bi.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and trace metals contents of Pterocarpus Mildbraedii and Ocimum gratissimum grown near markets within Aba Metropolis, Nigeria: An evaluation of dietary intake risks

Consuming contaminated vegetables is one recognised method that people are exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and trace metals (TMs). For this reason, it is important to constantly keep an eye out for these potentially fatal toxins in vegetables. Eighteen PAHs and TMs were investigated in the leaves of Pterocarpus mildbraedii and Ocimum gratissimum grown near Afule, Ahiaohuru, and Umuocham market locations within Aba metropolis using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for PAHs while an Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrophotometer (ICP-OES) for trace metals and Hg was analysed using a Cold Vapour Atomic Fluorescence Spectrophotometer (CV-AFS). The results from the study showed that Afule samples gave (mg kg-1 PAHs) 6.84, 8.12; Ahiaohuru samples gave (mg kg-1 PAHs) 11.34, 17.68; and Umuocham samples gave (mg kg-1 PAHs) 0.17, 0.16 for P. mildbraedii and O. gratissimum leaf samples, respectively. As per the estimated data, the concentrations of trace metals in vegetables and soil are found in the range of 0.432–6.03 mg/kg for Al, 0.133–0.867 mg/kg for Cd, 0.003–0.840 mg/kg for Co, 1.400–2.933 mg/kg for Cr, 0.933–4.533 mg/kg for Cu, 132.233–198.197 mg/kg for Fe, BDL–0.0002 mg/kg for Hg, 0.002–0.004 mg/kg for Li, 8.007–19.067 mg/kg for Mn, 0.533–1.633 mg/kg for Pb, 0.300–0.667 mg/kg for V, and 2.050–6.103 mg/kg for Zn. The trace metals observed are compared to the literature reported values. It was discovered that the average metal concentrations were below the FAO/WHO maximum allowable values. Every metal in the study had estimated daily intake (EDI) values that were lower than the reference oral dosage (RfD) for that metal. The health risk index (HRI), target health quotient (THQ) and hazard index (HI) values for both vegetables were much lower than 1 implying that the exposed population is safe from potential toxic metal.

Doppler sensitivity and resonant tuning of Rydberg atom-based antennas

Radio frequency antennas based on Rydberg atom vapor cells can in principle reach sensitivities beyond those of any conventional wire antenna, especially at lower frequencies where very long wires are needed to accommodate the increasing wavelength. They also have other desirable features such as consisting of nonmetallic, hence lower profile, elements. This paper presents a detailed theoretical investigation of Rydberg antenna sensitivity, elucidating parameter regimes that could cumulatively lead to a sensitivity increase 2–3 orders of magnitude beyond that of currently tested configurations. The key insight is to optimally combine the advantages of two well-studied approaches: (i) three laser ‘2D star configuration’ setups that, when enhanced with increased laser power, to some degree compensate for atom motion-induced Doppler broadening, and (ii) resonant coupling between a pair of near-degenerate Rydberg levels, tuned via a local oscillator to the incident signal of interest. The advantage of the star setup is subtle because it only restores the overall sensitivity to the expected Doppler-limited value, compensating for additional significant off-resonance reductions where differently moving atom sub-populations destructively interfere with each other in the net signal. An additional unique advantage of local oscillator tuning is that it leads to vastly narrower line widths, as low as ∼10 kHz set by the intrinsic Rydberg state lifetimes, rather than the typical ∼10 MHz scale set by the core state lifetimes. Intuitively, with this setup the two Rydberg states may be tuned to act as an independent high-q cavity, a point of view supported by a study of the frequency-dependence of the antenna resonant response. There are a number of practical experimental advances, especially larger ∼1 cm laser beam widths, required to suppress various extrinsic line broadening effects and to fully exploit this ‘Rydberg superheterodyne’ response.

Electromagnetically induced transparency with magnetically induced ΔF=0,mF=0→mF=0 probe transition

Interest in magnetically induced (MI) transitions of alkali metal atoms is caused by the fact that their intensities can exceed the intensities of ‘regular’ atomic transitions in a wide magnetic field range (200–4000 G). The goal of this work was to form and study, for the first time, electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) resonance in a strong magnetic field using probe radiation tuned to |Fg=F,mF=0⟩→|Fe=F,mF=0⟩ MI transition, which is forbidden in zero magnetic fields. Two narrow-band linearly polarized cw diode lasers were used to form EIT resonance on a Λ-type system of a Cs atomic D2 line in a strong transverse magnetic field (up to 1000 G). The resonance was formed in a Cs atomic vapor nanocell with an atomic vapor column thickness of 850 nm.

Frequency characteristics of collimated blue light generated by four-wave mixing in cesium vapor.

The frequency evaluation of collimated blue light (CBL) generated by parametric four-wave mixing (FWM) in hot atomic vapor is presented. The cesium (133Cs) atoms are excited from the 6S1/2 ground state to 8S1/2 excited state with the 852 and 795 nm pump lasers, producing an optical field at 4.2 µm through an amplified spontaneous emission via population inversion on the 8S1/2 → 7P3/2 transition and the 456 nm CBL via FWM on the 7P3/2 → 6S1/2 transition. The frequency shift of 456 nm CBL has been measured by velocity-selective optical pumping spectral technique when the frequency of any one of two pumping lasers is tuned. The ratio of the frequency shift of 456 nm CBL to the two-photon frequency detuning of two pumping lasers is 0.8912, implying that the generated 4.2 µm light frequency is also correspondingly shifted.

Utilizing quantum coherence in Cs Rydberg atoms for high-sensitivity room-temperature terahertz detection: a theoretical exploration

In recent years, terahertz (THz) technology has made significant progress in numerous applications; however, the highly sensitive, room-temperature THz detectors are still rare, which is one of the bottlenecks in THz research. In this paper, we proposed a room-temperature electrometry method for THz detection by laser spectroscopy of cesium (Cs133) Rydberg atoms, and conducted a comprehensive investigation of the five-level system involving electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT), electromagnetically induced absorption (EIA), and Autler–Townes (AT) splitting in Cs133 cascades. By solving the Lindblad master equation, we found that the influence of the THz electric field, probe laser, dressing laser, and Rydberg laser on the ground state atomic population as well as the coherence between the ground state and the Rydberg state, plays a crucial role in the transformation and amplitude of the EIT and EIA signals. Temperature and the atomic vapor cell’s dimensions affect the number of Cs133 atoms involved in the detection, and ultimately determine the sensitivity. We predicted the proposed quantum coherence THz detection method has a remarkable sensitivity of as low as 10−9 V m−1 Hz−1/2. This research offers a valuable theoretical basis for implementing and optimizing quantum coherence effects based on Rydberg atoms for THz wave detection with high sensitivity and room-temperature operation.

Interplay of electromagnetically induced transparency and Doppler broadening in hot atomic vapors

For multi-level systems in hot atomic vapors the interplay between the Doppler shift due to atomic motion and the wavenumber mismatch between driving laser fields strongly influences transmission and absorption properties of the atomic medium. In a three-level atomic ladder-system, Doppler broadening limits the visibility of electromagnetically-induced transparency (EIT) when the probe and control fields are co-propagating, while EIT is recovered under the opposite condition of counter-propagating geometry and kp<kc , with kp and kc being the wavenumbers of the probe and control fields, respectively. This effect has been studied and experimentally demonstrated as an efficient mechanism to realize non-reciprocal probe light transmission, which may enable applications as magnetic-field free optical isolators. Here, we describe the basics of this effect and discuss a simple picture for the underlying mechanism. We illustrate how the non-reciprocity scales with wavelength mismatch and show how to experimentally demonstrate the effect in a simple Rydberg-EIT system using thermal Rubidium atoms.