Enhanced magnetic sensitivity with non-gaussian quantum fluctuations

Abstract

The precision of a quantum sensor can overcome its classical counterpart when its constituents are entangled. In gaussian squeezed states, quantum correlations lead to a reduction of the quantum projection noise below the shot noise limit. However, the most sensitive states involve complex non-gaussian quantum fluctuations, making the required measurement protocol challenging. Here we measure the sensitivity of non-classical states of the electronic spin $J = 8$ of dysprosium atoms, created using light-induced non-linear spin coupling. Magnetic sublevel resolution enables us to reach the optimal sensitivity of non-gaussian (oversqueezed) states, well above the capability of squeezed states and about half the Heisenberg limit.