Multi-partite entanglement detection with non symmetric probing

Abstract

We show that spin squeezing criteria commonly used for entanglement detection can be erroneous, if the probe is not symmetric. We then derive a lower bound on squeezing for separable states in spin systems probed asymmetrically. Using this we further develop a procedure that allows us to verify the degree of entanglement of a quantum state in the spin system. Finally, we apply our method for entanglement verification to existing experimental data, and use it to prove the existence of tri-partite entanglement in a spin squeezed atomic ensemble.