Three-dimensional Atom Localization Research Articles

Efficient three-dimensional atom localization via probe absorption

We present a new scheme for high-efficiency three-dimensional (3D) atom localization in a three-level atomic system via measuring the absorption of a weak probe field. Owing to the space-dependent atom–field interaction, the position probability distribution of the atom can be directly determined by measuring the probe absorption. It is found that, by properly varying the parameters of the system, the probability of finding the atom at a particular position can be almost 100%. Our scheme opens a promising way to achieve high-precision and high-efficiency 3D atom localization, which provides the possibility to realize laser cooling or atom nanolithography via 3D atom localization.

Three-dimensional atom localization by laser fields in a four-level tripod system

We present a scheme for high-precision three-dimensional (3D) localization by the measurement of the atomic-level population. The scheme is applied to a four-level tripod-type atom coupled by three strong standing waves and a probe running wave. As a result, the atom can be localized in volumes that are substantially smaller than a cubic optical wavelength, which is achieved by the increase of standing-wave intensities. The upper-level distribution depends crucially on the atom-field coupling and it forms 3D periodic structures composed of spheres, hourglasses, bowls, donuts, or deformed barrels.

Two-dimensional lattice of blue-detuned atom traps using a projected Gaussian beam array

We describe a blue-detuned optical lattice for atom trapping which is intrinsically two-dimensional, while providing three-dimensional atom localization. The lattice is insensitive to optical phase fluctuations since it does not depend on field interference between distinct optical beams. The array is created using an arrangement of weakly overlapping Gaussian beams that creates a two-dimensional array of dark traps which are suitable for magic trapping of ground and Rydberg states. We analyze the spatial localization that can be achieved and demonstrate trapping and detection of single Cs atoms in 6- and 49-site two-dimensional arrays.

Three-dimensional atom localization in a five-level M-type atomic system

By using three mutually perpendicular standing-wave fields, we propose a scheme for three-dimensional (3D) subwavelength atom localization in a five-level M-type atomic system. Based on the electromagnetically induced transparency, position probability distribution of the atom in 3D space could be determined via measuring the probe absorption which is proportional to the filter function. It is shown that patterns of 3D atom localization depends sensitively on the coupling schemes of the standing-wave fields. When the standing-wave fields couple three different transitions, the same atom localization patterns are formed in the eight subspaces of the 3D space. While all the standing-wave fields are applied on one transition, we can realize different atom localization patterns in the eight subspaces. From the view of the xy plane, various symmetric or asymmetric atom localization patterns could be formed at different z positions by adjusting the parameters of the laser fields.