Unequal intensity splitting can reduce back action in interferometers

TL;DR

This paper explores how intentionally unbalancing intensity in two-path interferometers can minimize back action on the monitored object, with homodyning-like schemes identified as optimal for reducing measurement disturbance.

Contribution

It introduces analysis of intensity splitting variations in interferometers, demonstrating that unbalanced schemes can outperform balanced ones in reducing back action.

Findings

Unbalanced intensity splitting can reduce back action.

Homodyning-like schemes are optimal for minimal back action.

Analysis shows trade-offs between visibility and disturbance.

Abstract

Typical two-path interferometers are intensity-balanced because this maximizes the visibility of their interference patterns. Unbalancing the interferometer can be advised when back action on the object whose position is monitored is to be reduced. Variations of the intensity splitting ratios in two-path interferometers are analyzed in order to determine optimal interferometric performance while minimizing back action: it turns out that homodyning-like schemes perform best.