Work

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

Year: 2026

Type: preprint

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.

Source: arXiv (Cornell University)

DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2608.20032

Authors: Wang, Ling-Xiao, Xu, Lei, Liu, Ai-Ping, Chen, Guang-Jie, Yang, Yuan-Hao, Wang, Jia-Qi, Xu, Xin-Biao, Guo, Guang-Can, Zou, Chang-Ling, Xiang, Guo-Yong

Institutions: University of Science and Technology of China, Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Fujian Normal University

Topic: Near-Field Optical Microscopy

Subfield: Biomedical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W7203869561

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