Interferometric detection of optical phase shifts at the Heisenberg limit.
TL;DR: It is shown that the uncertainty in the relative quantum phase of two fields propagating in the arms of a Mach-Zehnder interferometers can be reduced to the Heisenberg limit by driving the interferometer with two Fock states containing equal numbers of photons.
Abstract: We show that the uncertainty in the relative quantum phase of two fields propagating in the arms of a Mach-Zehnder interferometer can be reduced to the Heisenberg limit by driving the interferometer with two Fock states containing equal numbers of photons. This leads to a minimum detectable phase shift far below that of any interferometer driven by a coherent light source.
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TL;DR: Quantum metrology is the use of quantum techniques such as entanglement to yield higher statistical precision than purely classical approaches as discussed by the authors, where the central limit theorem implies that the reduction is proportional to the square root of the number of repetitions.
Abstract: The statistical error in any estimation can be reduced by repeating the measurement and averaging the results. The central limit theorem implies that the reduction is proportional to the square root of the number of repetitions. Quantum metrology is the use of quantum techniques such as entanglement to yield higher statistical precision than purely classical approaches. In this Review, we analyse some of the most promising recent developments of this research field and point out some of the new experiments. We then look at one of the major new trends of the field: analyses of the effects of noise and experimental imperfections.
2,977 citations
TL;DR: This work has shown that conventional bounds to the precision of measurements such as the shot noise limit or the standard quantum limit are not as fundamental as the Heisenberg limits and can be beaten using quantum strategies that employ “quantum tricks” such as squeezing and entanglement.
Abstract: Quantum mechanics, through the Heisenberg uncertainty principle, imposes limits on the precision of measurement. Conventional measurement techniques typically fail to reach these limits. Conventional bounds to the precision of measurements such as the shot noise limit or the standard quantum limit are not as fundamental as the Heisenberg limits and can be beaten using quantum strategies that employ “quantum tricks” such as squeezing and entanglement.
2,421 citations
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Abstract: "Quantum sensing" describes the use of a quantum system, quantum properties or quantum phenomena to perform a measurement of a physical quantity Historical examples of quantum sensors include magnetometers based on superconducting quantum interference devices and atomic vapors, or atomic clocks More recently, quantum sensing has become a distinct and rapidly growing branch of research within the area of quantum science and technology, with the most common platforms being spin qubits, trapped ions and flux qubits The field is expected to provide new opportunities - especially with regard to high sensitivity and precision - in applied physics and other areas of science In this review, we provide an introduction to the basic principles, methods and concepts of quantum sensing from the viewpoint of the interested experimentalist
1,878 citations
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TL;DR: It is proved that the typical quantum precision enhancement is of the order of the square root of the number of times the system is sampled, and it is pointed out the different strategies that permit one to attain this bound.
Abstract: We point out a general framework that encompasses most cases in which quantum effects enable an increase in precision when estimating a parameter (quantum metrology) The typical quantum precision-enhancement is of the order of the square root of the number of times the system is sampled We prove that this is optimal and we point out the different strategies (classical and quantum) that permit to attain this bound
1,858 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors review several ideas indicating how such techniques can be used for accurate manipulation of quantum states of atomic ensembles and photons and present possible mechanisms for manipulating the quantum states.
Abstract: Modern optical techniques allow one to accurately control light using atoms and to manipulate atoms using light. In this Colloquium the author reviews several ideas indicating how such techniques can be used for accurate manipulation of quantum states of atomic ensembles and photons. First a technique is discussed that allows one to transfer quantum states between light fields and metastable states of matter. The technique is based on trapping quantum states of photons in coherently driven atomic media, in which the group velocity is adiabatically reduced to zero. Next, possible mechanisms are outlined for manipulating quantum states of atomic ensembles. Specifically, a ``dipole blockade'' technique is considered in which optical excitation of mesoscopic samples into Rydberg states can be used to control the state of ensembles at the level of individual quanta. It is also noted that even simple processes involving atom-photon correlations can be used to effectively manipulate the ensemble states. Potentially these techniques can be used for implementation of important concepts from quantum information science.
959 citations
Cites background from "Interferometric detection of optica..."
...Apart from quantum information and many-body science, a possible application of these techniques may involve atom interferometry with enhanced resolution (Holland and Burnett, 1993)....
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