Optimizing beam-splitter pulses for atom interferometry: a geometric approach

TL;DR

This paper introduces a geometric method for designing optimized Raman beam-splitter pulses in atom interferometry, improving robustness and reducing errors caused by laser intensity variations.

Contribution

It develops a novel geometric approach based on time-dependent perturbation theory to optimize beam-splitter pulses for cold atom sensors.

Findings

Optimized pulses are more resilient than conventional ones.

Enhanced interferometer performance with reduced scale-factor errors.

Near-flat superposition phase achieved over a range of detunings.

Abstract

We present a methodology for the design of optimal Raman beam-splitter pulses suitable for cold atom inertial sensors. The methodology, based on time-dependent perturbation theory, links optimal control and the sensitivity function formalism in the Bloch sphere picture, thus providing a geometric interpretation of the optimization problem. Optimized pulse waveforms are found to be more resilient than conventional beam-splitter pulses and ensure a near-flat superposition phase for a range of detunings approaching the Rabi frequency. As a practical application, we have simulated the performance of an optimized Mach-Zehnder interferometer in terms of scale-factor error and bias induced by inter-pulse laser intensity variations. Our findings reveal enhancements compared to conventional interferometers operating with constant-power beam-splitter pulses.