Precision bounds for characterising quantum measurements

Quantum measurements, alongside quantum states and processes, form a cornerstone of quantum information processing. However, unlike states and processes, their efficient characterisation remains relatively unexplored. We resolve this asymmetry by introducing a comprehensive framework for efficient detector estimation that reveals the fundamental limits to extractable parameter information and errors arising in detector analysis - the detector quantum Fisher information. Our development eliminates the need to optimise for the best probe state, while highlighting aspects of detector analysis that fundamentally differ from quantum state estimation. Through proofs, examples and experimental validation, we demonstrate the relevance and robustness of our proposal for current quantum detector technologies. By formalising a dual perspective to state estimation, our framework completes and connects the triad of efficient state, process, and detector tomography, advancing quantum information theory with broader implications for emerging technologies reliant on precisely calibrated measurements.

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Publication Details

Journal
Nature Communications
Published
2026-01-20
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-026-68529-7
Primary Topic
Quantum Information and Cryptography
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article en

Abstract

Quantum measurements, alongside quantum states and processes, form a cornerstone of quantum information processing. However, unlike states and processes, their efficient characterisation remains relatively unexplored. We resolve this asymmetry by introducing a comprehensive framework for efficient detector estimation that reveals the fundamental limits to extractable parameter information and errors arising in detector analysis - the detector quantum Fisher information. Our development eliminates the need to optimise for the best probe state, while highlighting aspects of detector analysis that fundamentally differ from quantum state estimation. Through proofs, examples and experimental validation, we demonstrate the relevance and robustness of our proposal for current quantum detector technologies. By formalising a dual perspective to state estimation, our framework completes and connects the triad of efficient state, process, and detector tomography, advancing quantum information theory with broader implications for emerging technologies reliant on precisely calibrated measurements.

Nature CommunicationsVol. 17(1)
Agency for Science, Technology and Research (SG), Centre for Quantum Technologies (SG), National University of Singapore (SG), Centre for Quantum Computation and Communication Technology (AU), Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KR), Korea Institute of Science & Technology Information (KR)
Industry, innovation and infrastructure
Openalex Percentile: Top 84%
Quantum Information and Cryptography
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