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  • Letter
  • Open Access

Current-based metrology with two-terminal mesoscopic conductors

Shishir Khandelwal1,2,*, Gabriel T. Landi3,4,†, Géraldine Haack1,‡, and Mark T. Mitchison5,6,§

  • *Contact author: shishir.khandelwal@fysik.lu.se
  • †Contact author: gabriel.landi@rochester.edu
  • ‡Contact author: geraldine.haack@unige.ch
  • §Contact author: mark.mitchison@kcl.ac.uk
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Phys. Rev. B 112, L161409 – Published 24 October, 2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/cpp5-5yw4

Abstract

The traditional approach to quantum parameter estimation focuses on the quantum state, deriving fundamental bounds on precision through the quantum Fisher information. In most experimental settings, however, performing arbitrary quantum measurements is highly unfeasible. In open quantum systems, an alternative approach to metrology involves the measurement of stochastic currents flowing from the system to its environment. However, the present understanding of current-based metrology is mostly limited to Markovian master equations. Considering a parameter estimation problem in a two-terminal mesoscopic conductor, we identify the key elements that determine estimation precision within the Landauer-Büttiker formalism. Crucially, this approach allows us to address arbitrary coupling and temperature regimes. Furthermore, we obtain analytical results for the precision in linear-response and zero-temperature regimes. For the specific parameter estimation task that we consider, we demonstrate that the boxcar transmission function is optimal for current-based metrology in all parameter regimes.

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Outline

Information

Phys. Rev. B 112, L161409– Published 24 October, 2025
  • Received 22 August 2025
  • Revised 29 September 2025
  • Accepted 2 October 2025
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