Spin-state estimation using the Stern-Gerlach experiment

Abstract

We propose a state estimation scheme for spins, using a modified setup of the Stern-Gerlach experiment, in which a beam of neutral spin-1/2 point particles interacts with a quadrupolar magnetic field. The proposed linear inversion estimation procedure, based on a quadrant intensity detector, requires a suitable initial spatial state of the beam. The statistical characterization of the estimator of the initial spin state allows us not only to associate an error to the estimated parameters, but also to define a measure for comparing estimation procedures corresponding to different Stern-Gerlach setups.