Dynamical model selection for quantum optomechanical systems

Jason F. Ralph, Simon Maskell, Kurt Jacobs, Muddassar Rashid, Marko Toroš, Ashley J. Setter, Hendrik Ulbricht

Published 2017-11-27Version 1

This paper considers the problem of distinguishing between different dynamical models using continuous weak measurements; that is, whether the evolution is quantum mechanical or given by a classical stochastic differential equation. We examine the conditions that optimize quantum hypothesis testing, maximizing one's ability to discriminate between classical and quantum models. We set upper limits on the temperature and lower limits on the measurement efficiencies required to explore these differences, using experiments in levitated optomechanical systems as an example.