Estimation of multiple parameters encoded in the modal structure of light

We investigate the problem of estimating simultaneously multiple parameters encoded in the shape of the modes on which the light is expanded. For this, we generalize the mode-encoded parameter estimation theory as introduced in Ref. [ Optica 10 , 996 ( 2023 ) 10.1364/OPTICA.491368 ] to a multi-parameter scenario. We derive the general expression for the quantum Fisher information matrix and establish the conditions under which the multi-parameter quantum Cramér-Rao bound is attainable. In specific scenarios, we find that each parameter can be associated with a mode—the detection mode—that is proportional to the derivative of either a single non-vacuum mode or the mean-field mode. For a single non-vacuum mode, the correlation between parameters is determined by the real part of the overlap of these detection modes, while in the case of a strong mean-field by the covariance of the quadrature operators of the derivative modes. In both cases, the attainability of the quantum Cramér-Rao bound is determined by the imaginary part of the overlap of the detection modes. Our findings provide clear criteria for optimal joint estimation of parameters encoded in the modal structure of light, and can be used to benchmark experimental multi-parameter estimations and find optimal estimation strategies by carefully shaping the modes and populating them with non-classical light.