Multiparameter quantum estimation and Stirling Engine Performance in a Gravitational Cat State System
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Abstract
We investigate the multiparameter quantum estimation and quantum thermodynamics properties of a gravitational cat state (gravcat) system composed of two interacting massive particles confined in double-well potentials. The system is described by an effective Hamiltonian involving the energy splitting parameter $ω$ and the gravitational coupling strength $γ$, while the interaction with a thermal environment is modeled through a Gibbs thermal state. Within the framework of quantum parameter estimation theory, we employ the quantum Fisher information matrix (QFIM) to analyze the precision limits for estimating the three fundamental parameters of the model, namely the gravitational coupling $γ$, the energy splitting $ω$, and the temperature $T$. Utilizing the symmetric logarithmic derivative (SLD) formalism within the QFIM framework, we derive the analytical expressions of the estimation bounds and evaluate the corresponding minimal variances associated with the quantum Cramér-Rao bound. Both simultaneous and individual estimation strategies are investigated, and their performances are compared in different parameter regimes. Our results reveal the existence of optimal estimation regions where the precision is significantly enhanced and show that the relative efficiency of the estimation schemes strongly depends on the interaction strength, the energy gap, and the thermal environment. In addition, the thermodynamic behavior of the system is analyzed within the framework of a quantum Stirling cycle. The internal energy, entropy, heat exchanges, and work production are examined, allowing us to evaluate the efficiency of the gravcat-based quantum heat engine. The obtained results highlight the interplay between quantum metrology and quantum thermodynamics.