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:2407.16246 · Physical Review A

Persistent quantum advantage with definite photon-number states in lossy multiple-phase estimation

Min Namkung, Donghyun Kim, Seongjin Hong, Changhyoup Lee, Hyang‐Tag Lim

Published Jun 27, 2025• 3 citations
arXivHTMLPDF

Abstract

Multiple-phase estimation exploiting quantum states has broad applications in novel sensing and imaging technologies. However, the unavoidable presence of lossy environments in practical settings often diminishes the precision of phase estimations. To address this challenge, we propose an optimal multiple-phase estimation scheme that is inherently robust against photon loss, ensuring a persistent quantum advantage across all levels of photon loss. The scheme employs a multi-mode definite photon-number (DPN) state with weights optimized for given levels of photon loss. We theoretically demonstrate that the DPN state can sustain quantum enhancement in estimation precision under all levels of photon loss, compared to the classical benchmark that employs a coherent state input. The proposed scheme using DPN states generalizes earlier studies employing NOON states, which are only optimal when photon loss is small. We believe that our study, demonstrating persistent robustness to photon loss, paves the way for significant advancements in quantum-enhanced sensing technologies, enabling practical applications and quantum advantages in real-world scenarios.

DOI
10.1103/l44c-d76x

Related papers

Optimal multiple-phase estimation with multi-mode NOON states against photon loss

Min Namkung, Donghyun Kim, Seongjin Hong +3 more

Abstract Multi-mode NOON states can quantum-enhance multiple-phase estimation in the absence of photon loss. However, a multi-mode NOON state is known to be vulnerable to photon loss, and its quantum-enhancement can be dissipated by lossy environment. In this work, we demonstrate that a quantum advantage in estimate precision can still be achieved in the presence of photon loss. This is accomplished by optimizing the weights of the multi-mode NOON states according to photon loss rates in the multiple modes, including the reference mode which defines the other phases. For practical relevance, we also show that photon-number counting via a multi-mode beam-splitter achieves the useful, albeit sub-optimal, quantum advantage. We expect this work to provide valuable guidance for developing quantum-enhanced multiple-phase estimation techniques in lossy environments.

arXiv:2401.09734•New Journal of Physics•Jul 1, 2024•13 citations

Persistent quantum advantage in simultaneous estimation of multiple phases using entangled photons

Min Namkung, Changhyoup Lee, Hyang‐Tag Lim

We propose a robust multiple-phase estimation scheme using optimized multi-mode entangled photons, achieving persistent quantum enhancement across all photon loss regimes. It outperforms classical benchmarks and conventional NOON states, offering practical and loss-robust quantum sensing.

•Jan 1, 2025•0 citations

Quantum-enhanced metrology for multiple phase estimation with noise

Jie-Dong Yue, Yu-Ran Zhang, Heng Fan

We present a general quantum metrology framework to study the simultaneous estimation of multiple phases in the presence of noise as a discretized model for phase imaging. This approach can lead to nontrivial bounds of the precision for multiphase estimation. Our results show that simultaneous estimation (SE) of multiple phases is always better than individual estimation (IE) of each phase even in noisy environment. The utility of the bounds of multiple phase estimation for photon loss channels is exemplified explicitly. When noise is low, those bounds possess the Heisenberg scale showing quantum-enhanced precision with the O(d) advantage for SE, where d is the number of phases. However, this O(d) advantage of SE scheme in the variance of the estimation may disappear asymptotically when photon loss becomes significant and then only a constant advantage over that of IE scheme demonstrates. Potential application of those results is presented.

arXiv:1310.4959•Scientific Reports•Aug 4, 2014•84 citations

Dose-efficient Quantum Phase Estimation in Lossy Optical Interferometry

Qilin Yu, Ben Wang, Kaimin Zheng +3 more

Optical interferometry is a cornerstone technique for precise phase measurements across various fields. In many applications, for example, biological imaging, it often necessitates stringent limits on light intensity to prevent adverse effects on light-sensitive samples, a condition known as dose-limited regimes. Maximizing the precision per dose is therefore crucial. In quantum metrology, quantum correlations enable high precision in phase estimation while adhering to dose constraints. Nevertheless, photon loss, including absorption by a sample, substantially diminishes the benefits of quantum enhancement in interferometry. In this work, we experimentally investigate a dose-efficient approach to quantum phase estimation using sequential strategies in the presence of loss. Performance of sequential strategies with and without control is evaluated through quantum Fisher information (QFI) per dose. Experimental results show that both sequential strategies exceed the classical limit and outperform the parallel strategy using unbalanced N00N states. Notably, the control-enhanced sequential strategy attains superior QFI per dose, approaching the quantum limit. These results highlight the promise of sequential strategy for imaging and sensing in resource-constrained scenarios, marking a significant step toward practical and efficient quantum metrology in lossy environments.

quant-pharXiv:2606.14254•Optica•Jun 15, 2026•0 citations

Quantum phase estimation with lossy interferometers

Rafał Demkowicz-Dobrzański, U. Dorner, Brian J. Smith +4 more

We give a detailed discussion of optimal quantum states for optical two-mode interferometry in the presence of photon losses. We derive analytical formulae for the precision of phase estimation obtainable using quantum states of light with a definite photon number and prove that maximization of the precision is a convex optimization problem. The corresponding optimal precision, i.e., the lowest possible uncertainty, is shown to beat the standard quantum limit thus outperforming classical interferometry. Furthermore, we discuss more general inputs: states with indefinite photon number and states with photons distributed between distinguishable time bins. We prove that neither of these is helpful in improving phase estimation precision.

arXiv:0904.0456•Physical Review A•Jul 24, 2009•314 citations

Optimal quantum phase estimation with generalized multi-component Schrödinger cat states

Seung-Woo Lee, Su‐Yong Lee, Jaewan Kim

In this paper, we are interested in detecting the presence of a nearby phase-sensitive object, where traveling light works out under a low-photon loss rate. Here we investigate the optimal quantum phase estimation with generalized multi-component Schrödinger cat states. In addition, we show the optimal conditions of the generalized multi-component cat states for the phase estimation in a lossless scenario. We then demonstrate that the generalized multi-component cat states can beat the performances of the NOON and two-mode squeezed vacuum states in the presence of small loss, while maintaining the quantum advantage over the standard quantum limit, attainable by coherent states. Finally, we propose a generation scheme of the entangled multi-component cat states with current or near-term optical technologies.

arXiv:2003.06302•Journal of the Optical Society of America B•Jun 22, 2020•10 citations
Multiple-phase estimation exploiting quantum states has broad applications in novel sensing and imaging technologies. However, the unavoidable presence of lossy environments in practical settings often diminishes the precision of phase estimations. To address this challenge, we propose an optimal multiple-phase estimation scheme that is inherently robust against photon loss, ensuring a persistent quantum advantage across all levels of photon loss. The scheme employs a multi-mode definite photon-number (DPN) state with weights optimized for given levels of photon loss. We theoretically demonstrate that the DPN state can sustain quantum enhancement in estimation precision under all levels of photon loss, compared to the classical benchmark that employs a coherent state input. The proposed scheme using DPN states generalizes earlier studies employing NOON states, which are only optimal when photon loss is small. We believe that our study, demonstrating persistent robustness to photon loss, paves the way for significant advancements in quantum-enhanced sensing technologies, enabling practical applications and quantum advantages in real-world scenarios.
Abstract Multi-mode NOON states can quantum-enhance multiple-phase estimation in the absence of photon loss. However, a multi-mode NOON state is known to be vulnerable to photon loss, and its quantum-enhancement can be dissipated by lossy environment. In this work, we demonstrate that a quantum advantage in estimate precision can still be achieved in the presence of photon loss. This is accomplished by optimizing the weights of the multi-mode NOON states according to photon loss rates in the multiple modes, including the reference mode which defines the other phases. For practical relevance, we also show that photon-number counting via a multi-mode beam-splitter achieves the useful, albeit sub-optimal, quantum advantage. We expect this work to provide valuable guidance for developing quantum-enhanced multiple-phase estimation techniques in lossy environments.
We present a general quantum metrology framework to study the simultaneous estimation of multiple phases in the presence of noise as a discretized model for phase imaging. This approach can lead to nontrivial bounds of the precision for multiphase estimation. Our results show that simultaneous estimation (SE) of multiple phases is always better than individual estimation (IE) of each phase even in noisy environment. The utility of the bounds of multiple phase estimation for photon loss channels is exemplified explicitly. When noise is low, those bounds possess the Heisenberg scale showing quantum-enhanced precision with the O(d) advantage for SE, where d is the number of phases. However, this O(d) advantage of SE scheme in the variance of the estimation may disappear asymptotically when photon loss becomes significant and then only a constant advantage over that of IE scheme demonstrates. Potential application of those results is presented.
Optical interferometry is a cornerstone technique for precise phase measurements across various fields. In many applications, for example, biological imaging, it often necessitates stringent limits on light intensity to prevent adverse effects on light-sensitive samples, a condition known as dose-limited regimes. Maximizing the precision per dose is therefore crucial. In quantum metrology, quantum correlations enable high precision in phase estimation while adhering to dose constraints. Nevertheless, photon loss, including absorption by a sample, substantially diminishes the benefits of quantum enhancement in interferometry. In this work, we experimentally investigate a dose-efficient approach to quantum phase estimation using sequential strategies in the presence of loss. Performance of sequential strategies with and without control is evaluated through quantum Fisher information (QFI) per dose. Experimental results show that both sequential strategies exceed the classical limit and outperform the parallel strategy using unbalanced N00N states. Notably, the control-enhanced sequential strategy attains superior QFI per dose, approaching the quantum limit. These results highlight the promise of sequential strategy for imaging and sensing in resource-constrained scenarios, marking a significant step toward practical and efficient quantum metrology in lossy environments.
We give a detailed discussion of optimal quantum states for optical two-mode interferometry in the presence of photon losses. We derive analytical formulae for the precision of phase estimation obtainable using quantum states of light with a definite photon number and prove that maximization of the precision is a convex optimization problem. The corresponding optimal precision, i.e., the lowest possible uncertainty, is shown to beat the standard quantum limit thus outperforming classical interferometry. Furthermore, we discuss more general inputs: states with indefinite photon number and states with photons distributed between distinguishable time bins. We prove that neither of these is helpful in improving phase estimation precision.
In this paper, we are interested in detecting the presence of a nearby phase-sensitive object, where traveling light works out under a low-photon loss rate. Here we investigate the optimal quantum phase estimation with generalized multi-component Schrödinger cat states. In addition, we show the optimal conditions of the generalized multi-component cat states for the phase estimation in a lossless scenario. We then demonstrate that the generalized multi-component cat states can beat the performances of the NOON and two-mode squeezed vacuum states in the presence of small loss, while maintaining the quantum advantage over the standard quantum limit, attainable by coherent states. Finally, we propose a generation scheme of the entangled multi-component cat states with current or near-term optical technologies.