Millimeter wave imaging using Autler-Townes splitting induced fluorescence from Rydberg atoms in rubidium vapor

Area of Science:

• Atomic Physics
• Quantum Optics
• Electromagnetics

Background:

• Millimeter wave (mmWave) imaging is crucial for various applications.
• Existing mmWave imaging techniques face limitations in resolution and speed.
• Autler-Townes (AT) splitting offers a novel approach for manipulating atomic states.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate a new method for mmWave imaging using AT splitting-induced fluorescence.
• To achieve real-time, high-resolution imaging of mmWave fields.
• To explore the potential of this technique in diverse scientific and technological fields.

Main Methods:

• Utilized counter-propagating probe and coupling beams in rubidium vapor to create a dark state sensitive to mmWaves.
• Employed mmWaves resonant with Rydberg states (91.4 GHz) for excitation.
• Transduced mmWave spatial profiles into optical fluorescence images (780 nm) captured by a CCD camera.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated real-time, diffraction-limited mmWave imaging in transmission geometry.
• Achieved a minimum detectable electric field of 600 µV/cm and a rapid 16.4 µs response time.
• Successfully imaged various masks, including vortex phase plates, showcasing the technique's versatility.

Conclusions:

• This study presents a novel pathway for high-speed and high-resolution mmWave imaging.
• The demonstrated technique offers significant advantages over existing methods.
• Potential applications span security, communications, and scientific research.