Efficient algorithm for optimizing adaptive quantum metrology processes

Phys Rev Lett. 2011 Dec 2;107(23):233601. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.107.233601. Epub 2011 Nov 30.

Abstract

Quantum-enhanced metrology infers an unknown quantity with accuracy beyond the standard quantum limit (SQL). Feedback-based metrological techniques are promising for beating the SQL but devising the feedback procedures is difficult and inefficient. Here we introduce an efficient self-learning swarm-intelligence algorithm for devising feedback-based quantum metrological procedures. Our algorithm can be trained with simulated or real-world trials and accommodates experimental imperfections, losses, and decoherence.