Dissipative versus conditional generation of gaussian entanglement and spin squeezing

Spin squeezing of collective atomic spins can be achieved conditionally via probing with light and subsequent homodyne detection, as is done in a quantum nondemolition measurement. Recently it has been shown that squeezing can also be created unconditionally by a properly designed dissipative dynamics. We compare the two approaches in a Gaussian description and optimize over all Gaussian light-matter interactions. We find that in the optimal unconditional scheme based on dissipation the level of squeezing scales with optical depth as d ^-1^/2. In contrast, the optimal conditional scheme based on measurement of light - which in fact is not a quantum nondemolition measurement - can provide squeezing which scales as d^-1. Our results apply directly also to the creation of entanglement in the form of nonlocal spin squeezing of two atomic ensembles.