We advocate a Bayesian approach to optimal quantum frequency estimation—an important issue for future quantum enhanced atomic clock operation. The approach provides a clear insight into the interplay between decoherence and the extent of prior knowledge in determining the optimal interrogation times and optimal estimation strategies. We propose a general framework capable of describing local oscillator noise as well as additional collective atomic dephasing effects. For a Gaussian noise, the average Bayesian cost can be expressed using the quantum Fisher information. Thus we establish a direct link between the two, often competing, approaches to quantum estimation theory.We advocate a Bayesian approach to optimal quantum frequency estimation—an important issue for future quantum enhanced atomic clock operation. The approach provides a clear insight into the interplay between decoherence and the extent of prior knowledge in determining the optimal interrogation times and optimal estimation strategies. We propose a general framework capable of describing local oscillator noise as well as additional collective atomic dephasing effects. For a Gaussian noise, the average Bayesian cost can be expressed using the quantum Fisher information. Thus we establish a direct link between the two, often competing, approaches to quantum estimation theory.

Nov 1, 201435 citations

Optimal quantum frequency estimation

Katarzyna Macieszczak, Rafał Demkowicz-Dobrzański, Martin Fraas

We advocate a Bayesian approach to optimal quantum frequency estimation - an important problem for future quantum enhanced atomic clock operation. The approach provides a clear insight into the interplay between decoherence and the extent of the prior knowledge in determining the optimal interrogation times and optimal estimation strategies. We propose a general framework capable of describing the local oscillator noise as well as additional atomic dephasing effects. We also demonstrate an important fact: the average Bayesian cost can be expressed explicitly using the quantum Fisher information and thus establish a direct link between the two, often competing, approaches to quantum estimation theory.We advocate a Bayesian approach to optimal quantum frequency estimation - an important problem for future quantum enhanced atomic clock operation. The approach provides a clear insight into the interplay between decoherence and the extent of the prior knowledge in determining the optimal interrogation times and optimal estimation strategies. We propose a general framework capable of describing the local oscillator noise as well as additional atomic dephasing effects. We also demonstrate an important fact: the average Bayesian cost can be expressed explicitly using the quantum Fisher information and thus establish a direct link between the two, often competing, approaches to quantum estimation theory.

Nov 21, 20134 citations

Bayesian frequency metrology with optimal Ramsey interferometry in optical atomic clocks

Timm Kielinski, Klemens Hammerer

Frequency metrology is a cornerstone of modern precision measurements and optical atomic clocks have emerged as one of the most precise measurement devices. In this progress report, we explore various Ramsey interrogation schemes tailored to optical atomic clocks primarily limited by laser noise. To incorporate frequency fluctuations directly into the theoretical model, we consider a Bayesian framework. In this context, we review fundamental bounds arising in Bayesian estimation theory, which serve as a benchmark throughout this work. We investigate the trade-off between entanglement-enhanced sensitivity and robustness against laser noise in order to identify optimal initial states, measurement schemes and estimation strategies. Beside standard protocols based on coherent spin states, spin-squeezed states and Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger states, we consider variational Ramsey protocols implemented via low-depth quantum circuits based on one-axis twisting operations to approach optimal stability. In particular, we review known and identify new optimal Ramsey interrogation schemes for a variety of scenarios, including different experimental platforms, ensemble sizes and regimes characterized by a wide range of interrogation durations and dead times. Hence, this work establishes a comprehensive theoretical framework for optimizing Ramsey interrogation schemes, providing guidance for the development of next-generation optical atomic clocks.Frequency metrology is a cornerstone of modern precision measurements and optical atomic clocks have emerged as one of the most precise measurement devices. In this progress report, we explore various Ramsey interrogation schemes tailored to optical atomic clocks primarily limited by laser noise. To incorporate frequency fluctuations directly into the theoretical model, we consider a Bayesian framework. In this context, we review fundamental bounds arising in Bayesian estimation theory, which serve as a benchmark throughout this work. We investigate the trade-off between entanglement-enhanced sensitivity and robustness against laser noise in order to identify optimal initial states, measurement schemes and estimation strategies. Beside standard protocols based on coherent spin states, spin-squeezed states and Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger states, we consider variational Ramsey protocols implemented via low-depth quantum circuits based on one-axis twisting operations to approach optimal stability. In particular, we review known and identify new optimal Ramsey interrogation schemes for a variety of scenarios, including different experimental platforms, ensemble sizes and regimes characterized by a wide range of interrogation durations and dead times. Hence, this work establishes a comprehensive theoretical framework for optimizing Ramsey interrogation schemes, providing guidance for the development of next-generation optical atomic clocks.

arXiv:2505.04287Reports on Progress in PhysicsNov 19, 20251 citation

Precision bounds for frequency estimation under collective dephasing and open-loop control

Francisco Riberi, Gerardo Paz-Silva, Lorenza Viola

Dephasing noise is a ubiquitous source of decoherence in current atomic sensors. We address the problem of entanglement-assisted frequency estimation subject to classical dephasing noise with full spatial correlations (collective) and arbitrary temporal correlations. Our contributions are threefold. (i) We derive rigorous, state-independent bounds on the achievable estimation precision, showing how they are entirely determined by the short-time behavior of the decoherence function. For temporally uncorrelated (Markovian) dephasing, precision is limited by a probe-independent constant. For temporally correlated stationary noise, the bound approaches the noiseless limit for classical states, precluding any asymptotic quantum advantage. (ii) We show that these scaling bounds are tight, by constructing generalized Ramsey protocols that saturate them. These optimal protocols use squeezing at the input and before readout, both of which are available in state-of-the-art atomic interferometers. Implementing a perfect-echo protocol, which reaches Heisenberg scaling in the absence of noise, remains optimal in this noisy setting, irrespective of the noise temporal correlations. (iii) We prove that arbitrary collective open-loop control cannot lift the no-go for super-classical precision scaling under either Markovian or colored stationary noise, highlighting the detrimental nature of full spatial correlations. In the latter case, temporal correlations may nonetheless enable constant-factor improvements over the standard quantum limit, which may still be important in practical metrological scenarios.Dephasing noise is a ubiquitous source of decoherence in current atomic sensors. We address the problem of entanglement-assisted frequency estimation subject to classical dephasing noise with full spatial correlations (collective) and arbitrary temporal correlations. Our contributions are threefold. (i) We derive rigorous, state-independent bounds on the achievable estimation precision, showing how they are entirely determined by the short-time behavior of the decoherence function. For temporally uncorrelated (Markovian) dephasing, precision is limited by a probe-independent constant. For temporally correlated stationary noise, the bound approaches the noiseless limit for classical states, precluding any asymptotic quantum advantage. (ii) We show that these scaling bounds are tight, by constructing generalized Ramsey protocols that saturate them. These optimal protocols use squeezing at the input and before readout, both of which are available in state-of-the-art atomic interferometers. Implementing a perfect-echo protocol, which reaches Heisenberg scaling in the absence of noise, remains optimal in this noisy setting, irrespective of the noise temporal correlations. (iii) We prove that arbitrary collective open-loop control cannot lift the no-go for super-classical precision scaling under either Markovian or colored stationary noise, highlighting the detrimental nature of full spatial correlations. In the latter case, temporal correlations may nonetheless enable constant-factor improvements over the standard quantum limit, which may still be important in practical metrological scenarios.

quant-pharXiv:2603.23804Mar 26, 20260 citations

Upper bounds on the quantum Fisher Information in the presence of general dephasing

Katarzyna Macieszczak

We derive upper bounds on the quantum Fisher information in interferometry with $N$ subsystems, e.g. two-level atoms or Gaussian modes, in the presence of arbitrarily correlated Gaussian dephasing including independent and collective dephasing. The derived upper bound enables us to analyse the Fisher information asymptotic behaviour when $N\rightarrow\infty$ . Dephasing introduces random phases to subsystems dynamics, which lowers the precision of estimating the phase difference $ϕ$ in an interferometer. The method presented uses Bayesian estimation of the random phases and eliminates dephasing noise by calculating their weighted arithmetic mean, which correponds to the phase $ϕ$ estimated in interferometry.We derive upper bounds on the quantum Fisher information in interferometry with $N$ subsystems, e.g. two-level atoms or Gaussian modes, in the presence of arbitrarily correlated Gaussian dephasing including independent and collective dephasing. The derived upper bound enables us to analyse the Fisher information asymptotic behaviour when $N\rightarrow\infty$. Dephasing introduces random phases to subsystems dynamics, which lowers the precision of estimating the phase difference $ϕ$ in an interferometer. The method presented uses Bayesian estimation of the random phases and eliminates dephasing noise by calculating their weighted arithmetic mean, which correponds to the phase $ϕ$ estimated in interferometry.

arXiv:1403.0955Mar 4, 20143 citations

Effect of prior information on noisy Bayesian frequency estimation

Jungang Li, Yuanmei Wang, Di Yang +1 more

Quantum frequency estimation under general noise is investigated in the Bayesian parameter estimation approach. To evaluate the accuracy of estimation, the Bayes cost is obtained analytically which can be applied to the common noisy channels, such as the phase-damping channel, the amplitude-damping channel, and the depolarizing channel. The Bayes cost formula clearly shows that the prior information imposes a restriction upon the effect of noise in the estimation process. Three examples of frequency estimations are provided to illustrate the roles of prior probability in the estimation process. It is found that, due to the restriction of prior information on the noise, the estimation accuracy is less sensitive to the noise in the Bayesian approach than that in the Cram\'er-Rao bound approach. More prior information can help us to use the non-Gaussianity of the noise channel to improve the estimation accuracy in the phase-damping channel.Quantum frequency estimation under general noise is investigated in the Bayesian parameter estimation approach. To evaluate the accuracy of estimation, the Bayes cost is obtained analytically which can be applied to the common noisy channels, such as the phase-damping channel, the amplitude-damping channel, and the depolarizing channel. The Bayes cost formula clearly shows that the prior information imposes a restriction upon the effect of noise in the estimation process. Three examples of frequency estimations are provided to illustrate the roles of prior probability in the estimation process. It is found that, due to the restriction of prior information on the noise, the estimation accuracy is less sensitive to the noise in the Bayesian approach than that in the Cram\'er-Rao bound approach. More prior information can help us to use the non-Gaussianity of the noise channel to improve the estimation accuracy in the phase-damping channel.

Physical Review ANov 27, 20174 citations

We derive upper bounds on the quantum Fisher information in interferometry with

N

subsystems, e.g. two-level atoms or Gaussian modes, in the presence of arbitrarily correlated Gaussian dephasing including independent and collective dephasing. The derived upper bound enables us to analyse the Fisher information asymptotic behaviour when

N\rightarrow\infty

. Dephasing introduces random phases to subsystems dynamics, which lowers the precision of estimating the phase difference

ϕ

in an interferometer. The method presented uses Bayesian estimation of the random phases and eliminates dephasing noise by calculating their weighted arithmetic mean, which correponds to the phase

ϕ

estimated in interferometry.