Equivalence between macroscopic quantum superpositions and maximally entangled states: application to phase-shift detection

Abstract

We demonstrate that the superpositions of macroscopically distinct coherent states are maximally entangled states. Among other possible applications of this result, in this paper we show that the experimental arrangements generating superpositions of macroscopically distinct coherent states may be adapted for precision phase-shift detection reaching the maximum sensitivity allowed by quantum physics (Heisenberg limit).