Sub-wavelength microwave electric field imaging using Rydberg atoms inside atomic vapor cells

摘要

We have recently shown that Alkali atoms contained in a vapor cell can serveas a highly accurate standard for microwave electric field strength as well aspolarization using the principles of Rydberg atom electromagnetically inducedtransparency. Here, we show, for the first time, that Rydberg atomelectromagnetically induced transparency can be used to image microwaveelectric fields with unprecedented precision. The spatial resolution of themethod is far into the sub-wavelength regime. The electric field resolutionsare similar to those we have demonstrated in our prior experiments. Ourexperimental results agree with finite element calculations of test electricfield patterns.