Waveguide Mach-Zehnder interferometer to enhance the sensitivity of quantum parameter estimation

Area of Science:

• Quantum optics
• Quantum metrology
• Integrated photonics

Background:

• Waveguide Fabry-Perot interferometers (FPI) are used for sensitive quantum parameter estimation.
• Enhancing sensitivity in quantum estimation is crucial for advancing metrology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a waveguide Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) for improved quantum parameter estimation sensitivity.
• To theoretically demonstrate the enhanced sensitivity of the proposed waveguide MZI compared to existing waveguide FPI.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing two coupled one-dimensional waveguides and atomic mirrors as beam splitters.
• Controlling photon transfer probabilities between waveguides via atomic mirrors.
• Exploiting quantum interference of waveguide photons for phase estimation.

Main Results:

• The proposed waveguide MZI configuration enhances quantum parameter estimation sensitivity.
• Sensitivity is optimized compared to waveguide FPI under identical conditions.
• Feasibility is discussed in the context of current atom-waveguide integrated techniques.

Conclusions:

• The waveguide MZI offers a promising platform for highly sensitive quantum parameter estimation.
• This approach represents a significant advancement over waveguide FPI for quantum metrology.
• The proposed method is compatible with existing integrated quantum technologies.