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Quantum noise scaling in continuously operating multiparameter sensors

Quantum Physics 2026-02-06 v1 Applied Physics Atomic Physics

Abstract

We experimentally investigate the quantum noise mechanisms that limit continuously operating multiparameter quantum sensors. Using a hybrid rf-dc optically pumped magnetometer, we map the photon shot noise, spin projection noise, and measurement back-action noise over an order of magnitude in probe power and a factor of three in pump power while remaining quantum-noise-limited. We observe linear, quadratic, and cubic scaling of the respective total noise powers with probe photon flux, together with a quadratic dependence of back-action on pump photon flux, in quantitative agreement with a stochastic Bloch-equation model. At higher probe powers, additional probe-induced relaxation modifies the spin-noise spectrum while preserving the integrated noise scaling. Our results reveal fundamental, resource-dependent trade-offs unique to continuously monitored multiparameter sensors and establish experimentally the quantum limits governing their optimal operation.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.2602.05991,
  title  = {Quantum noise scaling in continuously operating multiparameter sensors},
  author = {Aleksandra Sierant and Diana Méndez-Avalos and Santiago Tabares Giraldo and Morgan W. Mitchell},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2602.05991},
  year   = {2026}
}

Comments

7 pages, 3 figures, 5 tables

R2 v1 2026-07-01T10:23:04.168Z