Enhancing phase sensitivity with number state filtered coherent states

Abstract: Number state filtered coherent states are a class of nonclassical states obtained by removing one or more number states from a coherent state. Phase sensitivity of an interferometer is enhanced if these nonclassical states are used as input states. The optimal phase sensitivity, which is related to the quantum Cramer-Rao bound (QCRB) for the input state, improves beyond the standard quantum limit. It is argued that removal of more than one suitable number state leads to better phase sensitivity. As an important limiting case in this context, the even and odd coherent states, where the odd and even number states are filtered from coherent state respectively, are considered. The optimal phase sensitivity for these limiting cases equals that of the squeezed vacuum. It is observed that the improvement in phase sensitivity is not in direct proportion to the nonclassicality of the input states.