Quantum Zeno effect in parameter estimation

TL;DR

This paper investigates how the quantum Zeno effect influences parameter estimation in quantum systems, revealing optimal measurement strategies for both closed and dissipative systems through Fisher information and Bayesian analyses.

Contribution

It introduces a novel analysis of measurement timing in quantum parameter estimation considering the quantum Zeno effect, providing guidelines for optimal probing strategies.

Findings

Frequent measurements hinder parameter estimation in closed systems.

Optimal measurement intervals depend on system dissipation.

Few measurements suffice to identify the relevant parameter region.

Abstract

The quantum Zeno effect freezes the evolution of a quantum system subject to frequent measure- ments. We apply a Fisher information analysis to show that because of this effect, a closed quantum system should be probed as rarely as possible while a dissipative quantum systems should be probed at specifically determined intervals to yield the optimal estimation of parameters governing the sys- tem dynamics. With a Bayesian analysis we show that a few frequent measurements are needed to identify the parameter region within which the Fisher information analysis applies