Coherent terahertz field tomographic imaging in warm Rydberg vapors

TL;DR

This paper introduces a coherent THz-to-optical conversion method in warm Rb vapor for phase-resolved terahertz imaging, enabling tomographic reconstruction and high spatial resolution at room temperature.

Contribution

It presents a novel technique for complex-amplitude THz field imaging using atomic vapors, preserving phase information for the first time in this context.

Findings

Successfully reconstructed THz field distributions with sub-centimeter resolution.

Demonstrated phase sensitivity and ability to identify incident angles of arrival.

Validated the robustness of the method for phase-resolved THz imaging and holography.

Abstract

Rydberg atom-based sensors have emerged as highly sensitive tools for terahertz (THz) metrology, yet most current imaging techniques discard crucial phase information. In this Letter, we present a coherent THz-to-optical conversion scheme in warm Rb vapor that enables complex-amplitude field imaging. By manipulating the phase-matching conditions via an adjustable interference pattern of optical probe beams, we demonstrate the ability to perform tomographic reconstruction of the THz field distribution. We experimentally validate the spatial resolution and phase-sensitivity of the system by resolving sub-centimeter features and identifying incident angles of arrival. Our results establish a robust framework for phase-resolved THz imaging and holography using atomic vapors at room temperature.