Discrete-outcome sensor networks: Multiple detection events and grouping detectors

Studies of quantum sensor networks have typically focused on measuring parameters like magnetic field strengths. Our study shifts the focus to discrete-outcome networks, which resolve whether and which detector interacted with a signal. We advance previous work, which considered only a single detector firing, by allowing interactions with multiple detectors and grouping them into sets. This approach focuses on which detector group detected an interaction rather than individual detectors.

We evaluate the efficacy of entangled versus unentangled states through minimum-error and unambiguous discrimination strategies. Our results show that entangled states significantly enhance performance in identifying interacting detector groups, especially under weak signal conditions. We also explore collective measurements, where detectors are measured simultaneously, outperforming individual measurements.

When only one detector per group can fire, entanglement improves discrimination between two detectors. For multiple detectors within groups, entangled states offer distinct advantages in weak signal scenarios. We examine unambiguous discrimination protocols for groups and provide examples where collective measurements reduce failure probabilities compared to individual approaches.

Our findings highlight how entanglement and collective measurements enhance performance in discrete-outcome sensor networks, crucial for advancing quantum sensing technologies across applications.