A Japanese-Australian collaborative research team has broken down the standard limits for ultra-precise measurement by exploiting quantum light waves in a different way.
Professor Howard Wiseman
Squeezed light can be utilized to make measurements of very small distances. In this new study carried out at the University of Tokyo, the researchers have demonstrated the possibility of taking measurements even for moving targets.
The researchers have described their findings in a paper titled ‘Quantum-enhanced optical phase tracking’ in the Science journal. Professor Howard Wiseman from the Centre for Quantum Dynamics, Griffith University, directed the international theoretical team.
Wiseman informed that this highly accurate technique for motion tracking holds potential in several applications. The ability to measure the changes encountered by the phase of a light beam whenever it traverses or scatters off an object is a robust tool. The use of squeezed light enabled the researchers to push the boundaries of precision phase tracking. However, the team also demonstrated that squeezing beyond a specific point negatively affects the accuracy of measurements.
Professor Wiseman has been working with Dr Dominic Berry from Macquarie University on the hypothesis of this issue for the past several years. Dr Berry informed that in this experiment, the researchers were able to observe a moving phase more effectively than previously possible by combining feedback control with ‘phase squeezing’ light waves. They also demonstrated the ability to take ultra-accurate quantum-enhanced measurements for large phase changes.
Professor Elanor Huntington from UNSW Canberra led the Australian experimental contribution. Huntington stated that utilizing quantum states of light, the team demonstrated the ability to make more accurate measurements when compared to traditional methods utilizing laser beams of the same intensity.