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This research presents a proof-of-concept for quantum radiometric calibration (QRC), utilizing squeezed vacuum states to measure photodiode efficiency with unprecedented precision based on Heisenberg's uncertainty principle. The findings reveal that current commercial detectors fall short of the detection efficiency required for gravitational wave observatories and continuous-variable optical quantum computing, highlighting a critical hardware bottleneck. While this method establishes a new metrological standard, it underscores the gap between existing sensor technology and the demands of next-generation quantum sensing applications.
Quantum Radiometric Calibration
arXiv:2512.14947v4 Announce Type: replace Abstract: Optical quantum computing, as well as sensing technology based on quantum correlations are in preparation. These require photodiodes with close to perfect quantum efficiency for the detection of about 10^16 to 10^18 photons per second. Already the radiometric calibration is a challenge. Here, we provide the proof of concept of the quantum radiometric calibration (QRC) method, which is based on Heisenberg's uncertainty principle, derive the formula for its precision, and exclude the potential sources of systematic error. As an example, we calibrate a pair of the most efficient commercial photodiode at 1550 nm to the previously unknown system detection efficiency of (97.20 +/- 0.37)% using 10-dB-squeezed vacuum states. This value is unexpectedly low, too low for planned gravitational wave detectors and for continuous-variable optical quantum computing. With further improved precision, our work opens up the second true end-user application of the advantage provided by quantum correlations.
Abstract:Optical quantum computing, as well as sensing technology based on quantum correlations are in preparation. These require photodiodes with close to perfect quantum efficiency for the detection of about 10^16 to 10^18 photons per second. Already the radiometric calibration is a challenge. Here, we provide the proof of concept of the quantum radiometric calibration (QRC) method, which is based on Heisenberg's uncertainty principle, derive the formula for its precision, and exclude the potential sources of systematic error. As an example, we calibrate a pair of the most efficient commercial photodiode at 1550 nm to the previously unknown system detection efficiency of (97.20 +/- 0.37)% using 10-dB-squeezed vacuum states. This value is unexpectedly low, too low for planned gravitational wave detectors and for continuous-variable optical quantum computing. With further improved precision, our work opens up the second true end-user application of the advantage provided by quantum correlations.
arXiv:2512.14947 [quant-ph]
(or arXiv:2512.14947v4 [quant-ph] for this version)
From: Dr. Roman Schnabel [view email] [v1] Tue, 16 Dec 2025 22:22:41 UTC (1,355 KB) [v2] Mon, 2 Feb 2026 15:20:17 UTC (1,604 KB) [v3] Fri, 13 Feb 2026 08:00:46 UTC (1,604 KB) [v4] Tue, 6 Oct 2026 18:34:01 UTC (1,858 KB)
Full text under the publisher's open licence · 196 words
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