Accurate and efficient Bloch-oscillation-enhanced atom interferometry

TL;DR

This paper develops a comprehensive theoretical framework for Bloch-oscillation-enhanced atom interferometry, improving accuracy and efficiency in large momentum transfer for quantum sensors.

Contribution

It introduces a new theoretical model that surpasses previous treatments, enabling optimal design of atom interferometers with Bloch oscillations.

Findings

The framework accurately predicts losses and phases in atom interferometry.

Design criteria are established to achieve fundamental efficiency and accuracy limits.

Projections for next-generation quantum sensors are provided.

Abstract

Bloch oscillations of atoms in optical lattices are a powerful technique that can boost the sensitivity of atom interferometers to a wide range of signals by large momentum transfer. To leverage this method to its full potential, an accurate theoretical description of losses and phases is needed going beyond existing treatments. Here, we present a comprehensive theoretical framework for Bloch-oscillation-enhanced atom interferometry and verify its accuracy through comparison with an exact numerical solution of the Schr\"odinger equation. Our approach establishes design criteria to reach the fundamental efficiency and accuracy limits of large momentum transfer using Bloch oscillations. We compare these limits to the case of current state-of-the-art experiments and make projections for the next generation of quantum sensors.