On the Validity of Weak Measurement Applied for Precision Measurement

Abstract: We present a general framework of examining the validity of weak measurement -- the standard procedure to acquire Aharonov's weak value -- which has been used intensively in recent years for precision measurement, taking advantage of the amplification mechanism available for the weak value. Our framework allows one to deal systematically with various causes of uncertainties intrinsic to the actual measurement process as well as those found in the theoretical analysis employed to describe the system. Using our framework, we examine in detail the two seminal experiments, Hosten's detection measurement of the spin Hall effect of light and Dixon's ultra sensitive beam deflection measurement. Our analysis shows that their results are well within the range of amplification (actually in the vicinity of the optimal point) where the weak measurements are valid. This suggests that our framework is both practical and sound, and may be useful to determine beforehand the possible extent of amplification in the future weak measurement experiments.