Coherent control of localization of a three-level atom by symmetric and asymmetric superpositions of two standing-wave fields

A scheme for one-dimensional localization of a three-level atom is proposed by employing a modified technique for the formation of a standing-wave regime using two standing-wave fields. In the present system, precise position information of the atom can be achieved by measuring the population of the excited state, which can be efficiently controlled by the symmetric and the asymmetric superpositions of two standing-wave fields in the presence of constructive quantum interference. Our results highlight that, depending upon the effect of asymmetric superposition, the proposed scheme may provide a promising way to obtain various types of single-peak and double-peak localizations of the atom either in a one-wavelength range or in a half-wavelength range with appropriate values of the Rabi frequencies, detunings and spatial phase shifts of the coupling fields.