Optimal probabilistic estimation of quantum states

Abstract

We extend the concept of probabilistic unambiguous discrimination of quantum states to quantum state estimation. We consider a scenario where the measurement device can output either an estimate of the unknown input state or an inconclusive result. We present a general method how to evaluate the maximum fidelity achievable by the probabilistic estimation strategy. We illustrate our method on two explicit examples: estimation of a qudit from a pair of conjugate qudits and phase covariant estimation of a qubit from N copies. We show that by allowing for inconclusive results it is possible to reach estimation fidelity higher than that achievable by the best deterministic estimation strategy.