Tailoring sub-Doppler spectra of thermal atoms with a dielectric optical metasurface chip

Abstract

Compact and robust structures to precisely control and acquire atomic spectra are increasingly important for the pursuit of widespread applications. Sub-Doppler responses of thermal atoms are critical in constructing high-precision devices and systems. In this study, we designed a nanograting metasurface specifically for atomic rubidium vapor and integrated it into a miniature vapor cell. Using the metasurface with built-in multifunctional controls for light, we established pump-probe atomic spectroscopy and experimentally observed sub-Doppler responses at low incident power. Moreover, the sub-Doppler lineshape can be tailored by varying the incident polarization state. The spectrum transformation from absorption to transparency was observed. Using one of the sharp responses, laser stabilization with a stability of $3\times10^{-10}$ at 2 s can be achieved. Our work reveals the effective control of atomic spectra with optical metasurface chips, which may have great potential for future developments in fundamental optics and novel optical applications.