Wavelength-scale imaging of trapped ions using a phase Fresnel lens

Abstract

A microfabricated phase Fresnel lens was used to image ytterbium ions trapped in a radio frequency Paul trap. The ions were laser cooled close to the Doppler limit on the $369.5\mathrm{nm}$ transition, reducing the ion motion so that each ion formed a near point source. By detecting the ion fluorescence on the same transition, near-diffraction- limited imaging with spot sizes of below $440\mathrm{nm}$ (FWHM) was achieved. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of wavelength-scale imaging of trapped ions and the highest imaging resolution ever achieved with atoms in free space.

© 2011 Optical Society of America

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