Simple microwave field imaging technique using hot atomic vapor cells

TL;DR

This paper presents a straightforward, compact method for microwave field imaging using hot atomic vapor cells, capable of capturing 2D images with high spatial resolution without complex equipment.

Contribution

The authors introduce a simple vapor cell-based technique for microwave imaging that achieves single-shot, high-resolution, vector field measurements without cryogenics or ultra-high vacuum.

Findings

Achieved 350 μm spatial resolution in microwave field imaging.

Demonstrated the ability to image all vector components of the microwave magnetic field.

Proposed that microfabricated vapor cell arrays could reach micrometer resolution.

Abstract

We demonstrate a simple technique for microwave field imaging using alkali atoms in a vapor cell. The microwave field to be measured drives Rabi oscillations on atomic hyperfine transitions, which are detected in a spatially resolved way using a laser beam and a camera. Our vapor cell geometry enables single-shot recording of two-dimensional microwave field images with 350 {\mu}m spatial resolution. Using microfabricated vapor cell arrays, a resolution of a few micrometers seems feasible. All vector components of the microwave magnetic field can be imaged. Our apparatus is simple and compact and does not require cryogenics or ultra-high vacuum.