Experimental realization of optimal detection strategies for overcomplete states

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We present the results of generalized measurements of optical polarization designed to provide one of three or four distinct outcomes. This has allowed us to discriminate between nonorthogonal polarization states with an error probability that is close to the minimum allowed by quantum theory. Employing these optimal detection strategies on sets of three (trine) or four (tetrad) equiprobable symmetric nonorthogonal polarization states, we obtain a mutual information that exceeds the maximum value attainable using conventional (von Neumann) polarization measurements.