Partial-Transfer Absorption Imaging: A versatile technique for optimal imaging of ultracold gases

TL;DR

Partial-transfer absorption imaging is a versatile, minimally-destructive method for optimal imaging of ultracold atomic gases across various optical depths, allowing multiple successive images of the same sample.

Contribution

The paper introduces partial-transfer absorption imaging as a new technique that enables minimally-destructive, high-quality imaging of ultracold gases, surpassing standard absorption imaging capabilities.

Findings

Allows multiple successive images of the same atomic sample.

Effective across a wide range of optical depths.

Compared favorably to phase-contrast imaging in minimally-destructive performance.

Abstract

Partial-transfer absorption imaging is a tool that enables optimal imaging of atomic clouds for a wide range of optical depths. In contrast to standard absorption imaging, the technique can be minimally-destructive and can be used to obtain multiple successive images of the same sample. The technique involves transferring a small fraction of the sample from an initial internal atomic state to an auxiliary state and subsequently imaging that fraction absorptively on a cycling transition. The atoms remaining in the initial state are essentially unaffected. We demonstrate the technique, discuss its applicability, and compare its performance as a minimally-destructive technique to that of phase-contrast imaging.