Generation of super-resolution atomic state density distribution based on temporally-cascaded multiple light exposures

We propose a novel approach to optical generation of super-resolution atomic state density distribution based on interaction between Lambda-type atoms and temporally-cascaded driving fields. The scheme effectively inscribes multiplication of optical intensity profiles on atomic state density distribution, which can produce arbitrary patterns beyond the diffraction limit. The degree of resolution enhancement can be increased, not depending on the intrinsic nonlinearity of the photographic medium or the number of simultaneously interacting fields unlike the previous schemes. Procedures for drawing arbitrary two-dimensional patterns and effects of atomic state decoherence are described. (C) 2008 Optical Society of America