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

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.