Paper detail

Sub-wavelength position measurements with running wave driving fields

A scheme for sub-wavelength position measurements of quantum particles is discussed, which operates with running-wave laser fields as opposed to standing wave fields proposed in previous setups. The position is encoded in the phase of the applied fields rather than in the spatially modulated intensity of a standing wave. Therefore, disadvantages of standing wave schemes such as cases where the atom remains undetected since it is at a node of the standing wave field are avoided. Reversing the directions of parts of the driving laser fields allows to switch between different magnification levels, and thus to optimize the localization.