Characterizing Quantum Measurement

Aonan Zhang, Jie Xie, Huichao Xu +5 more

The accurate and reliable description of measurement devices is a central problem in both observing uniquely nonclassical behaviors and realizing quantum technologies from powerful computing to precision metrology. To date quantum tomography is the prevalent tool to characterize quantum detectors. However, such a characterization relies on accurately characterized probe states, rendering reliability of the characterization lost in circular argument. Here we report a self-characterization method of quantum measurements based on reconstructing the response range-the entirety of attainable measurement outcomes, eliminating the reliance on known states. We characterize two representative measurements implemented with photonic setups and obtain fidelities above 99.99% with the conventional tomographic reconstructions. This initiates range-based techniques in characterizing quantum systems and foreshadows novel device-independent protocols of quantum information applications.

William George Unruh

Robert Stárek, Martin Bielak, Miroslav Ježek

Abstract Characterization of quantum states and devices is paramount to quantum science and technology. The characterization consists of individual measurements, which must be precisely known. A mismatch between actual and assumed constituent measurements limits the accuracy of this characterization. We show that such a mismatch introduces reconstruction artifacts in quantum state tomography. We use these artifacts to detect and quantify the mismatch, gaining information about the actual measurement operators. It consequently allows the mitigation of systematic errors in both quantum measurement and state preparation, improving the precision of state control and characterization. The practical utility of our approach is experimentally demonstrated.

Howard M. Wiseman, Gerard J Milburn

Douglas Snyder

Irreversibility is often considered to characterize measurements in quantum mechanics. Fundamental problems with this characterization are addressed. First, whether a measurement is made in quantum mechanics is an arbitrary decision on the part of the experimenter concerning how the experimental circumstances are structured. Second, how is irreversibility that occurs in making a measurement explained in terms of a neurophysiological mechanism where a macroscopic measuring instrument is not required in principle to make the measurement, as in macroscopic quantum tunneling? Third, how does irreversibility characterize a negative observation where there is no physical interaction in the measurement process?