Quantum metrology

Quantum metrology is the study of making high-resolution and highly sensitive measurements of physical parameters using quantum theory to describe the physical systems, particularly exploiting quantum entanglement. [ [http://link.aps.org/abstract/PRL/v96/e010401 V.Giovannetti, et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 96 (2006) 010401] .] This field promises to develop measurement techniques that give better precision than the same measurement performed in a classical framework.

One example of note is the use of the so-called NOON state in a Mach-Zender interferometer to perform accurate phase measurements. [ [http://www.iop.org/EJ/abstract/1464-4266/6/8/029 P.Kok et al., J. Opt. B 6 (2004) S811] .] A similar effect can be produced using less exotic states such as squeezed states.

An important application of particular note is the detection of gravitational radiation with projects such as LIGO. Here high precision distance measurements must be made of two widely separated masses. However, currently the measurements described by quantum metrology are usually not used as they are very difficult to implement and there are many other sources of noise which prohibit the detection of gravity waves which must be overcome first. Nevertheless future plans may call for the use of quantum metrology in LIGO. [ [http://link.aps.org/abstract/PRD/v65/e022002 H.J.Kimble, et al., Phys. Rev. D 65 (2001) 022002] .]