quantum limit

English

Etymology

The spectroscopic sense is first attested in the 1920s; the measurement sense was coined by Vladimir Braginsky in a 1967 paper, and was originally restricted to the study of gravitational waves.

Noun

quantum limit (plural quantum limits)

1. (quantum mechanics) The limit on measurement accuracy at quantum scales due to back-action effects.
   • 1995, Vladimir Borisovich Braginskiĭ, Farid Ya. Khalili, Quantum Measurement‎^[1], →ISBN, page i:

     "This book is essential reading for all scientists and engineers the potential applications of technology near the quantum limit."

2. (spectroscopy) The shortest wavelength in an X-ray spectrum.
   • 1935, Donald Stover Piston, The Polarization of X-rays from Thin Targets, page 4:

     "The voltage and wave-length at the quantum limit of the spectrum under investigation are denoted by ν₀ and λ₀."

Derived terms

• standard quantum limit (SQL)