Fisher information analysis on post-selection involved quantum precision measurements using optical coherent states

Abstract: The weak-value-amplification (WVA) technique has been extensively considered and debated in the field of quantum precision measurement, largely owing to the reduced Fisher information caused by the low probability of successful post-selection. %% In this work we show that, rather than the Gaussian meter state as typically considered, using the optical coherent state as a meter, the WVA measurement can definitely outperform the conventional measurement not involving the strategy of post-selection. %% We also show that the post-selection procedure involved in the WVA scheme can make a mixture of coherent states work better than a pure coherent state with identical average photon numbers. This is in sharp contrast to the claim proved in the absence of post-selection. The post-selection strategy can also result in the precision of Heisenberg (or even "super-Heisenberg") scaling with the photon numbers, but without using any expensive quantum resources. %% The present work may stimulate further investigations for the potential of the post-selection strategy in quantum precision measurements.