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

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.