Reconstructing hidden observables via quantum snapshot thermometry

Abstract

Projective snapshots are a standard readout tool for quantum simulators, but they directly probe only observables that are diagonal in the measurement basis. We show how local equilibration and an independently calibrated equilibrium equation of state can reveal otherwise hidden conserved-density profiles. We demonstrate numerically that such ``quantum snapshot thermometry'' can recover energy fronts and a diffusion constant, distinguish spin transport from energy spreading, and reveal conserved-charge profiles invisible in the initial measurements. We also identify symmetry-imposed ambiguities in the readout and show how prior knowledge of the spatial structure can resolve them. Fixed-basis snapshot thermometry thus provides quantitative hydrodynamic information beyond transport exponents, bypassing additional measurement bases and quantum state tomography.