Optical measurement is almost quantum: Quantum inspired universal optical bounds

Abstract:Inspired by results in quantum information, we report the development of a formalism for optical sensing which abstracts the details of specific optical systems and allows us to form general bounds on measurement based only on the quantity to be measured. We find a universal bound that controls the performance of any passive optical system regardless of the technology used to construct it and that this bound is attained by a unique measurement scheme for each quantity of interest. Shockingly, our optical formalism is nearly identical to the quantum formalism, with essentially the same notions of the state to be measured and the operation of the measurement, along with an accompanying uncertainty principle.

Quantum Physics (quant-ph); Optics (physics.optics)

arXiv:2609.39857 [quant-ph]

(or arXiv:2609.39857v1 [quant-ph] for this version)

https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2609.39857 Focus to learn more arXiv-issued DOI via DataCite (pending registration)

arXivLabs is a framework that allows collaborators to develop and share new arXiv features directly on our website.

Both individuals and organizations that work with arXivLabs have embraced and accepted our values of openness, community, excellence, and user data privacy. arXiv is committed to these values and only works with partners that adhere to them.

Have an idea for a project that will add value for arXiv's community? Learn more about arXivLabs.