Scientists have investigated how quantum squeezing can enhance measurement accuracy in complex quantum systems, offering potential applications in areas like quantum sensing, imaging, and radar technologies. These discoveries could lead to improvements in fields such as GPS precision and early disease diagnosis through more sensitive biosensors.
Dr. Le Bin Ho from Tohoku University has examined how quantum squeezing can boost measurement accuracy in intricate quantum systems, with possible applications in quantum sensing, imaging, and radar technologies. This research may facilitate advancements in areas like GPS precision and faster disease detection via more sensitive biosensors.
Quantum squeezing is a principle in quantum physics that involves decreasing uncertainty in one aspect of a system while increasing it in another related aspect. To visualize this, think of a round balloon filled with air: it appears perfectly spherical when undisturbed. However, if you squeeze one side, it flattens out and elongates in the opposite direction. This analogy mirrors the process in a squeezed quantum state where, by reducing the uncertainty (or noise) in one measurement—like position—you increase the uncertainty in another—like momentum. Interestingly, the overall uncertainty remains constant, merely redistributed between the two qualities. Even if total uncertainty stays the same, this ‘squeezing’ allows for much more accurate measurement of one specific variable.
This strategy has already proven useful in enhancing measurements where only one variable needs precise monitoring, such as in refining the accuracy of atomic clocks. However, employing squeezing in scenarios requiring simultaneous measurement of various factors, such as both an object’s position and momentum, poses a greater challenge.
In a study published in Physical Review Research, Dr. Le Bin Ho investigates how the squeezing technique can improve measurement precision in quantum systems that involve multiple factors. His analysis delivers theoretical and numerical findings, contributing to the understanding of mechanisms that allow for maximal precision in these complex measurements.
“Our research aims to gain deeper insights into how quantum squeezing can function in more complex measurement scenarios that involve estimating multiple phases,” explains Le. “By identifying methods to maximize precision, we can potentially unlock new technological advancements in quantum sensing and imaging.”
The study focuses on a scenario where a three-dimensional magnetic field interacts with a group of identical two-level quantum systems. In ideal conditions, the precision of these measurements can reach theoretically optimal accuracy. Nevertheless, previous research has faced difficulties explaining how this occurs, particularly in practical situations where only one direction achieves complete quantum entanglement.
This research holds significant promise. By enhancing the precision of quantum measurements across multiple phases, it could lead to considerable progress in various technologies. For instance, advancements in quantum imaging might result in clearer images, quantum radar systems could detect objects with higher accuracy, and atomic clocks could achieve even greater precision, benefiting GPS and other timing-dependent technologies. In the realm of biophysics, it could enhance methods like MRI and improve the accuracy of molecular and cellular measurements, consequently increasing the sensitivity of biosensors for early disease detection.
“Our results contribute to a comprehensive understanding of how measurement precision is elevated in quantum sensing,” adds Le. “This research not only expands the horizons of quantum science but also paves the way for the future of quantum technologies.”
Looking forward, Le intends to study how this mechanism varies with different types of noise and explore strategies to mitigate it.
