Metrological Characterization of Non-Gaussian Entangled States of Superconducting Qubits

Multipartite entangled states are significant resources for both quantum information processing and quantum metrology. In particular, non-Gaussian entangled states are predicted to achieve a higher sensitivity of precision measurements than Gaussian states. On the basis of metrological sensitivity, the conventional linear Ramsey squeezing parameter (RSP) efficiently characterizes the Gaussian entangled atomic states but fails for much wider classes of highly sensitive non-Gaussian states. These complex non-Gaussian entangled states can be classified by the nonlinear squeezing parameter (NLSP), as a generalization of the RSP with respect to nonlinear observables and identified via the Fisher information. However, the NLSP has never been measured experimentally. Using a 19-qubit programmable superconducting processor, we report the characterization of multiparticle entangled states generated during its nonlinear dynamics. First, selecting ten qubits, we measure the RSP and the NLSP by single-shot readouts of collective spin operators in several different directions. Then, by extracting the Fisher information of the time-evolved state of all 19 qubits, we observe a large metrological gain of 9.89(-0.29)(+0.28) dB over the standard quantum limit, indicating a high level of multiparticle entanglement for quantum-enhanced phase sensitivity. Benefiting from high-fidelity full controls and addressable single-shot readouts, the superconducting processor with interconnected qubits provides an ideal platform for engineering and benchmarking non-Gaussian entangled states that are useful for quantum-enhanced metrology.

Automated summary

Multipartite entangled states are important resources for quantum information processing and quantum metrology. Non-Gaussian entangled states are predicted to achieve higher precision measurements than Gaussian states. In this study, a 19-qubit superconducting processor was used to characterize multiparticle entangled states generated during nonlinear dynamics. The linear Ramsey squeezing parameter (RSP) and nonlinear squeezing parameter (NLSP) were measured, and a large metrological gain over the standard quantum limit was observed, indicating a high level of multiparticle entanglement for quantum-enhanced phase sensitivity. The superconducting processor provides an ideal platform for engineering and benchmarking non-Gaussian entangled states.