Ultra-high dynamic range quantum measurement retaining its sensitivity.

Area of Science:

• Quantum Technologies
• Metrology
• Sensor Development

Background:

• Quantum sensors leverage quantum properties like coherence for high sensitivity and spatial resolution.
• Current quantum sensing protocols face limitations in simultaneously achieving high sensitivity and broad measurement range.
• Minimizing measurement uncertainty within a specific range and time is critical for effective sensing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a non-adaptive algorithm for enhancing the range of quantum sensors.
• To enable quantum sensors to approach the best possible sensitivity while overcoming range limitations.
• To improve upon standard measurement concepts in terms of both sensitivity and dynamic range.

Main Methods:

• Demonstration of a non-adaptive algorithm for alternating-current (AC) field sensing.
• Extensive simulation to explore the algorithm's performance characteristics.
• Analysis of the algorithm's scaling behavior in the coherent regime.

Main Results:

• The algorithm effectively increases the measurement range of AC field sensors, theoretically without limit.
• The proposed method allows sensitivity to approach the fundamental quantum limit.
• Simulations confirm superior performance compared to standard measurement techniques.
• The algorithm exhibits T^-2 scaling in the coherent regime, outperforming the standard T^-1/2 scaling.

Conclusions:

• A novel algorithm significantly enhances the range and sensitivity of quantum sensors.
• This approach overcomes the inherent trade-off between sensitivity and range in conventional protocols.
• The algorithm is applicable to any modulo-limited sensor, broadening its potential impact.