Optimal Generators for Quantum Sensing

We propose a computationally efficient method to derive the unitary evolution that a quantum state is most sensitive to. This allows one to determine the optimal use of an entangled state for quantum sensing, even in complex systems where intuition from canonical squeezing examples breaks down. In this paper we show that the maximal obtainable sensitivity using a given quantum state is determined by the largest eigenvalue of the quantum Fisher information matrix (QFIM) and the corresponding evolution is uniquely determined by the coinciding eigenvector. Since we optimize the process of parameter encoding rather than focusing on state preparation protocols, our scheme is relevant for any quantum sensor. This procedure naturally optimizes multiparameter estimation by determining, through the eigenvectors of the QFIM, the maximal set of commuting observables with optimal sensitivity.

Automated summary

This paper proposes a computationally efficient method to derive the unitary evolution that a quantum state is most sensitive to, allowing for optimal use of entangled states in quantum sensing. The maximal obtainable sensitivity using a given quantum state is determined by the largest eigenvalue of the quantum Fisher information matrix (QFIM) and the corresponding evolution is uniquely determined by the coinciding eigenvector. This procedure naturally optimizes multiparameter estimation by determining the maximal set of commuting observables with optimal sensitivity through the eigenvectors of the QFIM.