Universal atom interferometry simulator for precision sensing

Quantum sensors based on light-pulse atom interferometers allow for a wide range of high-precision measure-

ments such as inertial and electromagnetic forces or the accurate determination of the fine structure constant α.

The full potential, i.e. sensitivity of these schemes unfolds when large interrogation times or macroscopic arm

separation could be implemented. Both directions, however, imply a substantial deviation from an ideal interac-

tion of light with atomic systems. Indeed, real-life complications as finite pulse areas and fidelities, momentum

width broadening of the cold clouds, atomic interactions or light fields distortions limit the measurements but more

dramatically hinder a reasonable systematics study.

In this study, we present an efficient numerical solver of the time-dependent dynamics of atom-light interactions

in position space. It is designed to allow for a flexible simulation of a wide range of nonideal effects. We check the

validity and accuracy of our model by revisiting several case studies relevant to the precision atom interferometry

community. This approach is also aimed to be cross-regime, valid for different types of beam splitters (Bragg,

Raman and Bloch) and free from approximations incompatible with a metrological use.