2020/06/03 by Samuel P. Nolan, Augusto Smerzi, Nolan, Samuel P. +3 · 5 citations
Computer Science · Physics and Astronomy · #Advanced Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics #FOS: Physical sciences #Gaussian Processes and Bayesian Inference #Neural Networks and Applications #Quantum Physics (quant-ph)
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.2006.02369
openalex publication_date 2020/06/03 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
Bayesian estimation is a powerful theoretical paradigm for the operation of quantum sensors. However, the Bayesian method for statistical inference generally suffers from demanding calibration requirements that have so far restricted its use to proof-of-principle experiments. In this theoretical study, we formulate parameter estimation as a classification task and use artificial neural networks to efficiently perform Bayesian estimation. We show that the network's posterior distribution is centered at the true (unknown) value of the parameter within an uncertainty given by the inverse Fisher information, representing the ultimate sensitivity limit for the given apparatus. When only a limited number of calibration measurements are available, our machine-learning based procedure outperforms standard calibration methods. Thus, our work paves the way for Bayesian quantum sensors which can benefit from efficient optimization methods, such as in adaptive schemes, and take advantage of complex non-classical states. These capabilities can significantly enhance the sensitivity of future devices.