The Quantum Enhanced Tracker for Charged Particles

The optical quantum enhanced tracker is a table-top prototype detector of charged particles with high resolution in three dimensions. The electrons, passing through a volume filled with rubidium atoms, modify atomic quantum states and cause local changes in atoms' optical properties. We can identify the magnetic signature of passing electrons by means of nonlinear magneto-optical polarization rotation near the rubidium D₂ optical transition. By illuminating the interaction volume from two sides, we show preliminary detection of low-energy electrons in two dimensions, revealing electron beam characteristics such as beam diameter and position. The full-scale version of the current apparatus may be implemented in the future at Jefferson National Laboratory for detecting tracks of relativistic charged particles.