Ultra-high dynamic range quantum measurement retaining its sensitivity

Quantum sensors are highly sensitive since they capitalise on fragile quantum properties such as coherence, while enabling ultra-high spatial resolution. For sensing, the crux is to minimise the measurement uncertainty in a chosen range within a given time. However, basic quantum sensing protocols cannot simultaneously achieve both a high sensitivity and a large range. Here, we demonstrate a non-adaptive algorithm for increasing this range, in principle without limit, for alternating-current field sensing, while being able to get arbitrarily close to the best possible sensitivity. Therefore, it outperforms the standard measurement concept in both sensitivity and range. Also, we explore this algorithm thoroughly by simulation, and discuss the T-2 scaling that this algorithm approaches in the coherent regime, as opposed to the T-1/2 of the standard measurement. The same algorithm can be applied to any modulo-limited sensor.

Automated summary

The authors demonstrate a non-adaptive algorithm to increase the sensing range while approaching the best sensitivity, outperforming the standard measurement concept in both sensitivity and range. They thoroughly explore this algorithm by simulation and discuss the T-2 scaling in the coherent regime, contrasting it with the T-1/2 of the standard measurement. This algorithm can be applied to any modulo-limited sensor.