  The quantum mechanical states of electrons in atoms and molecules are
distinct orbitals, which are fundamental for our understanding of atoms,
molecules and solids. Electronic orbitals determine a wide range of basic
atomic properties, allowing also for the explanation of many chemical
processes. Here, we propose a novel technique to optically image the shape of
electron orbitals of neutral atoms using electron-phonon coupling in a
Bose-Einstein condensate. To validate our model we carefully analyze the impact
of a single Rydberg electron onto a condensate and compare the results to
experimental data. Our scheme requires only well-established experimental
techniques that are readily available and allows for the direct capture of
textbook-like spatial images of single electronic orbitals in a single shot
experiment.
