Phase-Stable Traveling Waves Stroboscopically Matched for Super-Resolved Observation of Trapped-Ion Dynamics

TL;DR

This paper presents a novel method for creating phase-stable traveling waves that enable super-resolved observation of trapped-ion dynamics, advancing quantum control and measurement precision.

Contribution

It introduces a stroboscopic matching technique for traveling waves to achieve super-resolution in observing ion motion, which is a significant improvement over previous methods.

Findings

Achieved noise floors of 1.8 nm in position measurement

Probed 140-nm periodic light pattern with high precision

Demonstrated enhanced quantum control capabilities

Abstract

In quantum technologies, it is essential to understand and exploit the interplay of light and matter. We introduce an approach, creating and maintaining the coherence of four oscillators: a global microwave reference field, a polarization-gradient traveling-wave pattern of light, and the spin and motional states of a single trapped ion. The features of our method are showcased by probing the 140-nm periodic light pattern and stroboscopically tracing dynamical variations in position and momentum observables with noise floors of $1.8(2)\,$nm and $8(2)~$zN$\,\mu$s, respectively. The implications of our findings contribute to enhancing quantum control and metrological applications.