# Phase shift in atom interferometers: corrections for non-quadratic potentials and finite-duration laser pulses

## TL;DR

This paper derives a refined expression for the phase shift in atom interferometers, accounting for finite pulse durations and non-quadratic potentials, crucial for high-resolution gravitational measurements.

## Contribution

It extends existing models by including effects of finite-duration pulses and small perturbing potentials beyond quadratic form in atom interferometry.

## Key findings

- Derived a generalized phase shift expression for non-quadratic potentials.
- Provided corrections necessary for high-precision atom interferometry.
- Enhanced the accuracy of gravitational field measurements using atom interferometers.

## Abstract

We derive an expression for the phase shift of an atom interferometer in a gravitational field taking into account both the finite duration of the light pulses and the effect of a small perturbing potential added to a stronger uniform gravitational field, extending the well-known results for rectangular pulses and at most quadratic potentials. These refinements are necessary for a correct analysis of present day high resolution interferometers.