Using interaction-based readouts to approach the ultimate limit of detection-noise robustness for quantum-enhanced metrology in collective spin systems

We consider the role of detection noise in quantum-enhanced metrology in collective spin systems and derive a fundamental bound for the maximum obtainable sensitivity for a given level of added detection noise. We then present an interaction-based readout utilizing the commonly used one-axis twisting scheme that approaches this bound for states generated via several commonly considered methods of generating quantum enhancement, such as one-axis twisting, two-axis countertwisting, twist-and-turn squeezing, quantum nondemolition measurements, and adiabatically scanning through a quantum phase transition. We demonstrate that our method performs significantly better than other recently proposed interaction-based readouts. These results may help provide improved sensitivity for quantum-sensing devices in the presence of unavoidable detection noise.