Tractor atom interferometer

We present a theoretical discussion of tractor atom interferometry (TAI). The interferometer is based on three-dimensional tight confinement and transport of split atomic wave-function components in programmable tractor traps. Using Crank-Nicolson simulations of scalar and spinor wave-function evolution, we confirm validity of the path-integral formalism over the pre-determined tractor trajectories, quantify projected gravimeter sensitivity, and study robustness of scalar and spinor TAI matter-wave splitters against non-adiabatic effects. We discuss the advantages of TAI over other matter-wave interferometers and address aspects for future experimental realizations of TAI for acceleration and rotation sensing.