Subwavelength three-dimensional Rydberg atom localization by optical absorption microscopy

Abstract We propose a scheme for subwavelength three-dimensional (3D) Rydberg atom localization in a ( V + Ξ)-type atomic system by spatial optical absorption microscopy. Position-dependent atom–field interaction allows atom position information to be obtained via measurement of the probe absorption. Some distinctive spatial localization patterns are discovered by adjusting the detuning and Rabi frequency of the laser fields. A 100% probability of finding the Rydberg atom at a specific position in 3D subwavelength space is achieved under appropriate conditions. This scheme may provide a novel approach for realizing high-precision 3D Rydberg atom localization in experiment.