Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

arXiv:1804.10048 · Entropy

Frequentist and Bayesian Quantum Phase Estimation

Yan Li, Luca Pezzè, Manuel Gessner, Zhihong Ren, Weidong Li, Augusto Smerzi

Published Aug 23, 2018• 68 citations
arXivHTMLPDF

Abstract

Frequentist and Bayesian phase estimation strategies lead to conceptually different results on the state of knowledge about the true value of an unknown parameter. We compare the two frameworks and their sensitivity bounds to the estimation of an interferometric phase shift limited by quantum noise, considering both the cases of a fixed and a fluctuating parameter. We point out that frequentist precision bounds, such as the Cramér-Rao bound, for instance, do not apply to Bayesian strategies and vice versa. In particular, we show that the Bayesian variance can overcome the frequentist Cramér-Rao bound, which appears to be a paradoxical result if the conceptual difference between the two approaches are overlooked. Similarly, bounds for fluctuating parameters make no statement about the estimation of a fixed parameter.

DOI
10.3390/e20090628

Related papers

Bayesian parameter estimation using Gaussian states and measurements

Simon Morelli, Ayaka Usui, Elizabeth Agudelo +1 more

Bayesian analysis is a framework for parameter estimation that applies even in uncertainty regimes where the commonly used local (frequentist) analysis based on the Cramer-Rao bound (CRB) is not well defined. In particular, it applies when no initial information about the parameter value is available, e.g., when few measurements are performed. Here, we consider three paradigmatic estimation schemes in continuous-variable (CV) quantum metrology (estimation of displacements, phases, and squeezing strengths) and analyse them from the Bayesian perspective. For each of these scenarios, we investigate the precision achievable with single-mode Gaussian states under homodyne and heterodyne detection. This allows us to identify Bayesian estimation strategies that combine good performance with the potential for straightforward experimental realization in terms of Gaussian states and measurements. Our results provide practical solutions for reaching uncertainties where local estimation techniques apply, thus bridging the gap to regimes where asymptotically optimal strategies can be employed.

•Mar 5, 2021•25 citations

Quantum Metrology

Reinhold A. Bertlmann, Nicolai Friis

Abstract Chapter 24 provides a compact introduction to the topic of quantum metrology, focusing on Hamiltonian parameter estimation in the frequentist and in the Bayesian paradigms. We first discuss how estimates of non-directly measurable quantities such as phases are obtained from measurement statistics in the frequentist approach. We then discuss the Cramér-Rao bound and the Fisher information and study single-qubit phase estimation in the light of this result. We then turn to the multi-qubit setting and discuss the quantum Cramér-Rao bound, for which the quantum Fisher information is the central quantity of interest. In this context we discuss the Uhlmann fidelity in detail. We further contrast Heisenberg scaling with the standard quantum limit in the phase-estimation scenario. Finally, we analyse phase estimation in the Bayesian-estimation approach and derive the van Trees inequality as a Bayesian version of the Cramér-Rao bound

•Sep 7, 2023•0 citations

Bayesian parameter estimation using Gaussian states and measurements

Simon Morelli, Ayaka Usui, Elizabeth Agudelo +1 more

Abstract Bayesian analysis is a framework for parameter estimation that applies even in uncertainty regimes where the commonly used local (frequentist) analysis based on the Cramér–Rao bound (CRB) is not well defined. In particular, it applies when no initial information about the parameter value is available, e.g., when few measurements are performed. Here, we consider three paradigmatic estimation schemes in continuous-variable (CV) quantum metrology (estimation of displacements, phases, and squeezing strengths) and analyse them from the Bayesian perspective. For each of these scenarios, we investigate the precision achievable with single-mode Gaussian states under homodyne and heterodyne detection. This allows us to identify Bayesian estimation strategies that combine good performance with the potential for straightforward experimental realization in terms of Gaussian states and measurements. Our results provide practical solutions for reaching uncertainties where local estimation techniques apply, thus bridging the gap to regimes where asymptotically optimal strategies can be employed.

arXiv:2009.03709•Quantum Science and Technology•Jan 4, 2021•35 citations

Bayesian quantum phase estimation beyond the eigenstate approximation: sample complexity, Cramér–Rao bounds, and adaptive measurement design for non-eigenstate and mixed-state inputs on NISQ devices

Akoramurthy Balasubramaniam, B. Surendiran, Xiaochun Cheng +1 more

Background Quantum phase estimation (QPE) is a foundational subroutine in quantum algorithms that ranges from Shor’s factoring scheme to variational quantum eigensolvers and quantum metrology protocols. Classical post-processing replacements for the inverse quantum Fourier transform (iQFT) —specifically Kitaev-style iterative estimation and Bayesian update schemes—substantially reduce circuit depth, making them practical for noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) hardware. Despite this promise, the statistical performance of these methods under the conditions that actually arise in practice—non-eigenstate inputs characterised by eigenstate overlap p ≡ O = | ψ | ϕ | 2 < 1 and mixed-state purity γ ≡ P = Tr ( ρ 2 ) < 1 —remains uncharacterised in the literature. Methods We develop a rigorous information-theoretic framework for Bayesian QPE (BQPE) beyond the eigenstate assumption. Starting from the binary measurement likelihood attenuated by the joint factor O P , we derive exact classical Fisher information expressions and apply the Cramér–Rao inequality to obtain tight variance lower bounds. We then construct an adaptive measurement protocol based on von Mises posterior updates, prove its asymptotic efficiency in the frequentist sense, and establish matching upper and lower bounds on sample complexity. All theoretical results are validated against 2,000 -trial Monte Carlo simulations and cross-checked against published nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centre and photonic experimental data. Results We prove that the fundamental variance floor for any unbiased frequentist estimator is ( 1 − p γ ) / ( N p γ n ̄ 2 ) 1 / ( N ( p γ ) 2 n ̄ 2 ) , where N

Frontiers in Quantum Science and Technology•Aug 11, 2026•0 citations

Bayesian estimation in homodyne interferometry

Stefano Olivares, Matteo G. A. Paris

Abstract. We address phase-shift estimation by means of squeezed vacuum probe and homodyne detection. We analyze Bayesian estimator, which is known to asymptotically saturate the classical Cramér-Rao bound to the variance, and discuss convergence looking at the a posteriori distribution as the number of measurements increases. We also suggest two feasible adaptive methods, acting on the squeezing parameter and/or the homodyne local oscillator phase, which allow to optimize homodyne detection and approach the ultimate bound to precision imposed by the quantum Cramér-Rao theorem. The performances of our two-step methods are investigated by means of Monte Carlo simulated experiments with a small number of homodyne data, thus giving a quantitative meaning to the notion of asymptotic optimality. Bayesian estimation in homodyne interferometry 2 1.

•Jan 1, 2009•37 citations

Fundamental bounds for parameter estimation with few measurements

Valentin Gebhart, Manuel Gessner, Augusto Smerzi

Bounding the optimal precision in parameter estimation tasks is of central importance for technological applications. In the regime of a small number of measurements, or low signal-to-noise ratios, the meaning of common frequentist bounds, such as the Cramér-Rao bound (CRB), becomes questionable. Here, we discuss a different (Barankin-like) approach to derive the conditions for the existence of optimal estimators and calculate their variance, for any number of measurement repetitions. We elaborate on connections to the shot-noise limit and the Kitaev phase estimation algorithm and derive an extended Cramér-Rao bound that is compatible with a finite variance in situations where the Barankin bound (BaB) is undefined. Finally, we show an exemplary numerical confrontation between frequentist and Bayesian approaches to parameter estimation. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

arXiv:2402.14495•Physical Review Research•Dec 12, 2024•5 citations
Frequentist and Bayesian phase estimation strategies lead to conceptually different results on the state of knowledge about the true value of an unknown parameter. We compare the two frameworks and their sensitivity bounds to the estimation of an interferometric phase shift limited by quantum noise, considering both the cases of a fixed and a fluctuating parameter. We point out that frequentist precision bounds, such as the Cramér-Rao bound, for instance, do not apply to Bayesian strategies and vice versa. In particular, we show that the Bayesian variance can overcome the frequentist Cramér-Rao bound, which appears to be a paradoxical result if the conceptual difference between the two approaches are overlooked. Similarly, bounds for fluctuating parameters make no statement about the estimation of a fixed parameter.
Bayesian analysis is a framework for parameter estimation that applies even in uncertainty regimes where the commonly used local (frequentist) analysis based on the Cramer-Rao bound (CRB) is not well defined. In particular, it applies when no initial information about the parameter value is available, e.g., when few measurements are performed. Here, we consider three paradigmatic estimation schemes in continuous-variable (CV) quantum metrology (estimation of displacements, phases, and squeezing strengths) and analyse them from the Bayesian perspective. For each of these scenarios, we investigate the precision achievable with single-mode Gaussian states under homodyne and heterodyne detection. This allows us to identify Bayesian estimation strategies that combine good performance with the potential for straightforward experimental realization in terms of Gaussian states and measurements. Our results provide practical solutions for reaching uncertainties where local estimation techniques apply, thus bridging the gap to regimes where asymptotically optimal strategies can be employed.
Abstract Chapter 24 provides a compact introduction to the topic of quantum metrology, focusing on Hamiltonian parameter estimation in the frequentist and in the Bayesian paradigms. We first discuss how estimates of non-directly measurable quantities such as phases are obtained from measurement statistics in the frequentist approach. We then discuss the Cramér-Rao bound and the Fisher information and study single-qubit phase estimation in the light of this result. We then turn to the multi-qubit setting and discuss the quantum Cramér-Rao bound, for which the quantum Fisher information is the central quantity of interest. In this context we discuss the Uhlmann fidelity in detail. We further contrast Heisenberg scaling with the standard quantum limit in the phase-estimation scenario. Finally, we analyse phase estimation in the Bayesian-estimation approach and derive the van Trees inequality as a Bayesian version of the Cramér-Rao bound
Abstract Bayesian analysis is a framework for parameter estimation that applies even in uncertainty regimes where the commonly used local (frequentist) analysis based on the Cramér–Rao bound (CRB) is not well defined. In particular, it applies when no initial information about the parameter value is available, e.g., when few measurements are performed. Here, we consider three paradigmatic estimation schemes in continuous-variable (CV) quantum metrology (estimation of displacements, phases, and squeezing strengths) and analyse them from the Bayesian perspective. For each of these scenarios, we investigate the precision achievable with single-mode Gaussian states under homodyne and heterodyne detection. This allows us to identify Bayesian estimation strategies that combine good performance with the potential for straightforward experimental realization in terms of Gaussian states and measurements. Our results provide practical solutions for reaching uncertainties where local estimation techniques apply, thus bridging the gap to regimes where asymptotically optimal strategies can be employed.
Background Quantum phase estimation (QPE) is a foundational subroutine in quantum algorithms that ranges from Shor’s factoring scheme to variational quantum eigensolvers and quantum metrology protocols. Classical post-processing replacements for the inverse quantum Fourier transform (iQFT) —specifically Kitaev-style iterative estimation and Bayesian update schemes—substantially reduce circuit depth, making them practical for noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) hardware. Despite this promise, the statistical performance of these methods under the conditions that actually arise in practice—non-eigenstate inputs characterised by eigenstate overlap p ≡ O = | ψ | ϕ | 2 < 1 and mixed-state purity γ ≡ P = Tr ( ρ 2 ) < 1 —remains uncharacterised in the literature. Methods We develop a rigorous information-theoretic framework for Bayesian QPE (BQPE) beyond the eigenstate assumption. Starting from the binary measurement likelihood attenuated by the joint factor O P , we derive exact classical Fisher information expressions and apply the Cramér–Rao inequality to obtain tight variance lower bounds. We then construct an adaptive measurement protocol based on von Mises posterior updates, prove its asymptotic efficiency in the frequentist sense, and establish matching upper and lower bounds on sample complexity. All theoretical results are validated against 2,000 -trial Monte Carlo simulations and cross-checked against published nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centre and photonic experimental data. Results We prove that the fundamental variance floor for any unbiased frequentist estimator is ( 1 − p γ ) / ( N p γ n ̄ 2 ) 1 / ( N ( p γ ) 2 n ̄ 2 ) , where N
Abstract. We address phase-shift estimation by means of squeezed vacuum probe and homodyne detection. We analyze Bayesian estimator, which is known to asymptotically saturate the classical Cramér-Rao bound to the variance, and discuss convergence looking at the a posteriori distribution as the number of measurements increases. We also suggest two feasible adaptive methods, acting on the squeezing parameter and/or the homodyne local oscillator phase, which allow to optimize homodyne detection and approach the ultimate bound to precision imposed by the quantum Cramér-Rao theorem. The performances of our two-step methods are investigated by means of Monte Carlo simulated experiments with a small number of homodyne data, thus giving a quantitative meaning to the notion of asymptotic optimality. Bayesian estimation in homodyne interferometry 2 1.
Bounding the optimal precision in parameter estimation tasks is of central importance for technological applications. In the regime of a small number of measurements, or low signal-to-noise ratios, the meaning of common frequentist bounds, such as the Cramér-Rao bound (CRB), becomes questionable. Here, we discuss a different (Barankin-like) approach to derive the conditions for the existence of optimal estimators and calculate their variance, for any number of measurement repetitions. We elaborate on connections to the shot-noise limit and the Kitaev phase estimation algorithm and derive an extended Cramér-Rao bound that is compatible with a finite variance in situations where the Barankin bound (BaB) is undefined. Finally, we show an exemplary numerical confrontation between frequentist and Bayesian approaches to parameter estimation. Published by the American Physical Society 2024