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A single ion as a nanoscopic probe of an optical field
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-08, 05:21 authored by G R Guthöhrlein, Matthias KellerMatthias Keller, K Hayasaka, W Lange, H WaltherIn near-field imaging, resolution beyond the diffraction limit of optical microscopy is obtained by scanning the sampling region with a probe of subwavelength size. In recent experiments, single molecules were used as nanoscopic probes to attain a resolution of a few tens of nanometres. Positional control of the molecular probe was typically achieved by embedding it in a crystal attached to a substrate on a translation stage. However, the presence of the host crystal inevitably led to a disturbance of the light field that was to be measured. Here we report a near-field probe with atomic-scale resolution a single calcium ion in a radio-frequency trap that causes minimal perturbation of the optical field. We measure the three-dimensional spatial structure of an optical field with a spatial resolution as high as 60 nm (determined by the residual thermal motion of the trapped ion), and scan the modes of a low-loss optical cavity over a range of up to 100 m. The precise positioning we achieve implies a deterministic control of the coupling between ion and field. At the same time, the field and the internal states of the ion are not affected by the trapping potential. Our set-up is therefore an ideal system for performing cavity quantum electrodynamics experiments with a single particle.
History
Publication status
- Published
Journal
NatureISSN
0028-0836External DOI
Issue
6859Volume
414Page range
49-51Pages
3.0Department affiliated with
- Physics and Astronomy Publications
Notes
This seminal paper has laid the foundations of ion-trap cavity QED and has been cited over 130 times. W.L. led the team, planning, overseeing, evaluating and modeling the experiment. Based on preparatory work by G.R.G. and K.H., M.K. substantially improved the setup and performed the decisive measurements. H.W. provided funding.Full text available
- No
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2012-02-06Usage metrics
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