Optimal two-copy discrimination of quantum measurements

TL;DR

This paper explores optimal strategies for distinguishing between two quantum measurements on a single qubit using two copies, demonstrating that adaptive, entangled, and feed-forward methods improve accuracy, supported by experimental validation.

Contribution

It introduces and experimentally validates optimal discrimination strategies for two quantum measurements, highlighting the benefits of adaptive, entangled, and feed-forward techniques.

Findings

Adaptive strategies improve discrimination accuracy

Entangled probe states enhance measurement identification

Experimental setup confirms theoretical predictions

Abstract

We investigate optimal discrimination between two projective quantum measurements on a single qubit. We consider scenario where the measurement that should be identified can be performed twice and we show that adaptive discrimination strategy, entangled probe states, and feed-forward all help to increase the probability of correct identification of the measurement. We also experimentally demonstrate the studied discrimination strategies and test their performance. The employed experimental setup involves projective measurements on polarization states of single photons and preparation of required probe two-photon polarization states by the process of spontaneous parametric down-conversion and passive linear optics.