https://doi.org/10.1140/epjd/e2002-00235-7
Sub-wavelength resolution of optical fields probed by single trapped ions: Interference, phase modulation, and which-way information
Institut für Experimentalphysik (Homepage:
) , Universität Innsbruck,
Technikerstr. 25, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
Corresponding author: a Juergen.Eschner@uibk.ac.at
Received:
10
September
2002
Published online:
17
December
2002
Taking recent experiments as examples, we discuss the conditions for sub-wavelength probing of optical field structures by single trapped atoms. We calculate the achievable resolution, highlighting its connection to the fringe visibility in an interference experiment. We show that seemingly different physical pictures, such as spatial averaging, phase modulation, and which-way information, describe the situation equally and lead to identical results. The connection to Bohr's moving slit experiment is pointed out.
PACS: 42.50.Ct – Quantum description of interaction of light and matter; related experiments / 32.80.Lg – Mechanical effects of light on atoms, molecules, and ions / 42.25.Hz – Interference
© EDP Sciences, Società Italiana di Fisica, Springer-Verlag, 2003
