Lensing and enhanced single atom detection via a single-pixel nanostructure

Abstract:We propose and demonstrate a general mechanism for nanoscale lensing based on the phase gradient imposed by a single nanostructure scattering light in its near-field. We verify this effect using an optical waveguide on a substrate, with single atoms serving as quantum probes that sample the near-field intensity through their fluorescence. This quantum probing technique provides a unique, non-destructive approach to characterizing focused optical fields and reveals a 4-fold enhancement in single atom detection efficiency. This work establishes on-chip nanostructures as a multi-functional quantum optics platform that can efficiently route photons, localize fields, and enhance atom-photon coupling, offering new opportunities for trapping and manipulating single atoms and realizing hybrid nanophotonic-atomic systems for quantum applications.

Quantum Physics (quant-ph); Atomic Physics (physics.atom-ph)

arXiv:2608.20032 [quant-ph]

(or arXiv:2608.20032v1 [quant-ph] for this version)

https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2608.20032 Focus to learn more arXiv-issued DOI via DataCite (pending registration)

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