Quantum state magnification

Abstract

Quantum metrology exploits entangled states of particles to improve sensing precision beyond the limit achievable with uncorrelated particles. All previous methods required detection noise levels below this standard quantum limit to realize the benefits of the intrinsic sensitivity provided by these states. Remarkably, a recent proposal has shown that, in principle, such low-noise detection is not a necessary requirement. Here, we experimentally demonstrate a widely applicable method for entanglement-enhanced measurements without low-noise detection. Using an intermediate magnification step, we perform squeezed state metrology 8 dB below the standard quantum limit with a detection system that has a noise floor 10 dB above the standard quantum limit. Beyond its conceptual significance, this method eases implementation complexity and is expected to find application in next generation quantum sensors