Gaussian Quantum Reading beyond the Standard Quantum Limit

Quantum reading aims at retrieving classical information stored in an optical memory with low energy and high accuracy by exploiting the inherently quantum properties of light. We provide an optimal Gaussian strategy for quantum reading with phase-shift keying encoding that makes use of squeezed coherent light and homodyne detectors to largely outperform the Standard Quantum Limit, even in the presence of loss. This strategy, being feasible with current quantum optical technology, represents a viable prototype for a highly efficient and reliable quantum-enhanced optical reader.