Tailoring Sub-Doppler Spectra of Thermal Atoms with a Dielectric Optical Metasurface Chip

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, a nanograting metasurface specifically is designed for atomic rubidium vapor and integrated it into a miniature vapor cell. Using the metasurface with built-in multifunctional controls for light, pump-probe atomic spectroscopy is established and sub-Doppler responses are experimentally observed 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 is observed. Using one of the sharp responses, laser stabilization with a stability of (Formula presented.) at 2 s can be achieved. This 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.