We present a quantum network approach to real high sensitivity measurements
. Thermal and quantum fluctuations due to active as well as passive element
s are taken into account. The method is applied to the analysis of the capa
citive accelerometer using the cold damping technique, developed for fundam
ental physics in space by ONERA and the ultimate limits of this instrument
are discussed. It is confirmed in this quantum analysis that the cold dampi
ng technique allows one to control efficiently the test mass motion without
degrading the noise level.