Three-dimensional atom localization in a five-level M-type atomic system

Abstract

By using three mutually perpendicular standing-wave fields, we propose a scheme for three-dimensional (3D) subwavelength atom localization in a five-level M-type atomic system. Based on the electromagnetically induced transparency, position probability distribution of the atom in 3D space could be determined via measuring the probe absorption which is proportional to the filter function. It is shown that patterns of 3D atom localization depends sensitively on the coupling schemes of the standing-wave fields. When the standing-wave fields couple three different transitions, the same atom localization patterns are formed in the eight subspaces of the 3D space. While all the standing-wave fields are applied on one transition, we can realize different atom localization patterns in the eight subspaces. From the view of the xy plane, various symmetric or asymmetric atom localization patterns could be formed at different z positions by adjusting the parameters of the laser fields.