Detecting zero-point fluctuations with stochastic Brownian oscillators.

Area of Science:

• Quantum physics
• Metrology
• Thermodynamics

Background:

• High-quality quantum oscillators are typically used for precision sensing.
• High environmental noise leads to quantum decoherence, losing metrological information.
• Stronger thermal interactions can be a resource for novel metrological schemes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a general amplification strategy for detecting zero-point fluctuations.
• To enable the use of low-quality quantum oscillators at finite temperatures for sensing.
• To expand the metrological capacity of less-than-ideal quantum systems.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing a Brownian oscillator with controllable multiplicative frequency noise.
• Amplifying quantum deviations from the virial theorem.
• Employing a constant temperature environment.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated amplification of quantum deviations proportional to frequency noise strength.
• Showcased detection of zero-point fluctuations in low-quality oscillators.
• Established a method to witness quantum fluctuations in unknown thermal baths.

Conclusions:

• The developed strategy enhances the metrological capabilities of low-quality oscillators.
• This work allows for new measurements of quantum properties in thermal environments.
• Sensing zero-point contributions to system variables is now feasible with this approach.