Precise, super-resolving intensity measurement by quantum jump spectroscopy of a single neutral atom

Abstract

We present precise, sub-wavelength optical intensity measurement using a single trapped ${}^{87}$Rb atom as a sensor. The intensity is measured by the scalar ac Stark shift it produces on the $F=1\to F^{\prime }=2$ hyperfine transition of the D${}_2$ line, chosen for its $F^{\prime }=F+1$ structure and very small tensor polarizability. To boost signal and reduce measurement-induced perturbations, we use a quantum jump spectroscopy technique in which a single absorbed photon on a transition of interest induces the scattering of hundreds of photons on a bright closed transition. The method greatly reduces systematic effects associated with the atomic state, optical polarization, probe power, and atom heating, and gives the atomic temperature as a second spectroscopic observable. We demonstrate the method by measuring the intensity at the focus of an optical tweezer.

5 pages, 5 figures

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Cited by in corpus (3)

• Near-resonant light scattering by an atom in a state-dependent trap
• Quantum jump photodetector for narrowband photon counting with a single atom
• Atom walking in a traveling-wave light