Quantum spectral analysis by continuous measurement of Landau-Zener transitions

Abstract

We demonstrate the simultaneous estimation of signal frequency and amplitude by a single quantum sensor in a single experimental shot. Sweeping the qubit splitting linearly across a span of frequencies induces a non-adiabatic Landau-Zener transition as the qubit crosses resonance. The signal frequency determines the time of the transition, and the amplitude its extent. Continuous weak measurement of this unitary evolution informs a parameter estimator retrieving precision measurements of frequency and amplitude. Implemented on radiofrequency-dressed ultracold atoms read out by a Faraday spin-light interface, we sense a magnetic signal with $20~\text{pT}$ precision in amplitude, and near-transform-limited precision in frequency, in a single $300~\text{ms}$ sweep from $7$ to $13~\text{kHz}$. The protocol realizes a swept-sine quantum spectrum analyzer, potentially sensing hundreds or thousands of channels with a single quantum sensor.