Visualizing strongly focused 3D light fields in an atomic vapor
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Structured light, when strongly focused, generates highly confined vectorial electromagnetic field distributions, which may feature a polarization component along the optical axis. Manipulating and detecting such 3D light fields is challenging, as conventional optical elements and detectors do not interact with the axial polarization component. Vector light can, however, be mapped onto atomic polarizations, making electric dipole transitions an ideal candidate to sense such 3D light configurations. Working in the hyperfine Paschen–Back regime, where the electric dipole transitions are spectrally resolved, we demonstrate direct evidence of the axial polarization component of strongly focused radial light. We investigate the influence of various input polarization states, including radial, azimuthal, and higher-order optical vortices, on atomic absorption profiles. Our results confirm a clear mapping between the 3D vector light and the atomic transition strength. This work provides insights into vectorial light–matter interaction and opens avenues for quantum sensing applications.
Source: Optica
Authors: Sphinx Svensson, Clare R. Higgins, Danielle Pizzey, Ifan G. Hughes, Sonja Franke-Arnold
Institution: Durham University
Language: English
Subfield: Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,208
OpenAlex ID: W4413828299