Weak-force detection with superposed coherent states

Weak-force detection with superposed coherent states

Munro, W.J., Nemoto, K., Milburn, G.J., and Braunstein, S.L.
(2002): Physical Review A 66, 023819-1/6 (PDF)

ABSTRACT: We investigate the utility of nonclassical states of simple harmonic oscillators, particularly a superposition of coherent states, for sensitive force detection. We find that like squeezed states, a superposition of coherent states allows displacement measurements at the Heisenberg limit. Entangling many superpositions of coherent states offers a significant advantage over a single-mode superposition state with the same mean photon number.