Work

Critical Quantum Sensing: A Tutorial on Parameter Estimation Near Quantum Phase Transitions

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Quantum phenomena offer the possibility of measuring physical quantities with precision beyond classical limits. However, current progress is constrained by scalability, environmental noise, and challenges in practical integration. This highlights the necessity for novel approaches. An emerging paradigm in this direction is , which harnesses the enhanced susceptibility and nonclassical correlations that naturally occur near quantum phase transitions as resources for quantum-enhanced precision. This tutorial provides a pedagogical introduction to key concepts and a detailed overview of prominent quantum sensing strategies that exploit critical phenomena in metrology. Through examples of increasing complexity, the reader is guided through various critical quantum sensing protocols applied to different critical systems. Special emphasis is placed on the optimal scaling of estimation precision with respect to fundamental resources. Finally, we discuss how critical quantum metrology extends from idealized models to realistic open-system, dissipative regimes, and strongly correlated fermionic systems, outlining both the challenges and opportunities for future quantum technologies.

Source: PRX Quantum

DOI: 10.1103/v7mf-yh8n

Authors: George Mihailescu, Uesli Alushi, Roberto Di Candia, Simone Felicetti, Karol Gietka