Quadrature-PT symmetry: Classical-to-quantum transition in noise fluctuations

While gain-loss-coupled photonic platforms have achieved significant success in studying classical parity-time (PT) symmetry, they encounter challenges in demonstrating pure quantum effects due to incompatible operator transformations and Langevin noise. Here, we present compelling evidence that a non-Hermitian (NH) twin-beam system, undergoing phase-sensitive amplification (PSA) and balanced loss, not only enables observing the usual eigenvalue-associated PT phase transition but also exhibits distinctive features absent in classical NH or Hermitian quantum scenarios, encompassing quadrature PT symmetry, anomalous loss-induced quadrature squeezing, and dynamical and stationary classical-to-quantum transitions in noise fluctuations. Furthermore, our proposed bipartite open system promises optimal sensing, showcasing an improved signal-to-noise ratio and sensitivity, constrained by quantum Cramér-Rao bound or Fisher information. These findings deepen the comprehension of authentic quantum optical PT symmetry involving both gain and loss, addressing contentious issues and illuminating new facets of the subject.