Harnessing Quantum Compression to Improve Measurement Accuracy in Multi-Factor Systems

Quantum compression is a concept in quantum physics in which the uncertainty in one aspect of a system is reduced while the uncertainty in another related aspect is increased.

Imagine that you are squeezing a round balloon filled with air. In its normal state, the balloon is perfectly spherical. When you squeeze one side, it flattens and stretches in the other direction. This represents what happens in a compressed quantum state: you reduce the uncertainty (or noise) in one quantity, like position, but in doing so you increase the uncertainty in another quantity, like momentum.

However, the total uncertainty remains the same, since you are just redistributing it between the two. Even though the overall uncertainty remains the same, this “compression” allows you to measure any of these variables with much greater precision than before.

This technique has already been used to improve measurement accuracy in situations where a single variable needs to be measured precisely, for example to improve the accuracy of atomic clocks. However, using compression in cases where multiple factors need to be measured simultaneously, such as the position and momentum of an object, is much more difficult.

In a new article published in Physical examination researchDr. Le Bin Ho of Tohoku University explores the effectiveness of the compression technique to improve measurement accuracy in quantum systems with multiple factors. The analysis provides theoretical and numerical insights, aiding in the identification of mechanisms to achieve maximum precision in these complex measurements.

“The research aims to better understand how quantum compression can be used in more complex measurement situations involving the estimation of multiple phases,” Le said. “By figuring out how to achieve the highest level of precision, we can pave the way for new technological advances in quantum sensing and imaging.”

The study focused on a situation in which a three-dimensional magnetic field interacts with a set of identical two-level quantum systems. In ideal cases, measurement accuracy can be as precise as theoretically possible. However, previous research has struggled to explain how this works, particularly in real-world situations where a single direction achieves full quantum entanglement.

This research will have broad implications. By making quantum measurements more precise for multiple phases, this could significantly advance various technologies. For example, quantum imaging could produce sharper images, quantum radar could detect objects more precisely, and atomic clocks could become even more precise, improving GPS and other time-sensitive technologies.

In biophysics, this could lead to advances in techniques such as MRI and improve the precision of molecular and cellular measurements, thereby improving the sensitivity of biosensors used to detect diseases early.

“Our results contribute to a deeper understanding of the mechanisms behind improved measurement accuracy in quantum sensing,” adds Le. “This research not only pushes the boundaries of quantum science, but also lays the foundation for the next generation of quantum technologies.”

Looking ahead, Le hopes to explore how this mechanism changes with different types of noise and explore ways to reduce it.