Parameter estimation in quantum optics - art. no. 023815

We address several estimation problems in quantum optics by means of the ma ximum-likelihood principle. We consider Gaussian state estimation and the d etermination of the coupling parameters of quadratic Hamiltonians. Moreover , we analyze different schemes of phase-shift estimation. Finally, the abso lute estimation of the quantum efficiency of both linear and avalanche phot odetectors is studied. In all the considered applications, the Gaussian bou nd on statistical errors is attained with a few thousand data.