Quantum phase estimations with spin coherent states superposition

Abstract

The quantum metrological performance of spin coherent states superposition is considered, and conditions for measurements with the Heisenberg-limit (HL) precision are identified. It is demonstrated that the choice of the parameter-generating operator can lead to physically different estimation outcomes. In particular, closed-form analytical descriptions for the performance of spin cat states are derived. These findings show the routes to careful control of parameters necessary for achieving HL precision and provide insightful information on the geometry of the specific coherent state superposition and its relevance to the performance of the states for parameter estimations.