  Quantum channel discrimination is used to test quantum field theory in
non-inertial frames. We search for optimal strategies which can best see the
thermality of the Unruh effect. We find that the usual strategy of counting
particles in the vacuum can be improved, thereby enhancing the discrimination.
Coherent state probes, which are practical and feasible, give exponential
improvement in the discrimination of the Unruh channel and come very close to
optimal. In particular, we show that using a short pulse laser, the
accelerations required to test the Unruh effect can be reduced by at least
three orders of magnitude with the same statistical confidence as could be
achieved in vacuum. These results are expected to be relevant to upcoming
experimental tests of quantum field theory in curved spacetimes in analogue
systems.
