  In this paper we present a study of the quantum phase estimation problem
employing continuous-variable, entangled squeezed coherent (quasi-Bell) states
as probe states. We show that their inherent squeezing and entanglement
properties might bring advantages, increasing the precision of phase estimation
compared to protocols which employ other continuous variable states e.g.,
two-mode, entangled coherent states or single-mode, squeezed states. We also
analyze the phase estimation process considering: i) a linear (unitary)
perturbation, and ii) dissipation, and conclude that the use of entangled
squeezed coherent states as probe states may still be advantageous even under
non-ideal conditions.
