In the theory of quantum information, the mixed-unitary quantum channels, for any positive integer dimension $n$, are those linear maps that can be expressed as a convex combination of conjugations by $n\times n$ complex unitary matrices. We consider the mixed-unitary rank of any such channel, which is the minimum number of distinct unitary conjugations required for an expression of this form. We identify several new relationships between the mixed-unitary rank~$N$ and the Choi rank~$r$ of mixed-unitary channels, the Choi rank being equal to the minimum number of nonzero terms required for a Kraus representation of that channel. Most notably, we prove that the inequality $N\leq r^2-r+1$ is satisfied for every mixed-unitary channel (as is the equality $N=2$ when $r=2$), and we exhibit the first known examples of mixed-unitary channels for which $N>r$. Specifically, we prove that there exist mixed-unitary channels having Choi rank $d+1$ and mixed-unitary rank $2d$ for infinitely many positive integers $d$, including every prime power $d$. We also examine the mixed-unitary ranks of the mixed-unitary Werner--Holevo channels.
For a positive integer $d$ and a unitary representation $ρ:G\rightarrow\mathrm{U}(d)$ of a compact group $G$, the twirling channel for this representation is the linear mapping $Φ: M_d\rightarrow M_d$ defined as $Φ(X)=\int_{G}\mathrm{d}μ(g)\,ρ(g)Xρ(g^{-1})$ for every $X\in M_d$, where $μ$ is the Haar measure on $G$. Such channels are examples of mixed-unitary channels, as they are in the convex hull of the set of unitary channels of a fixed size. By Carathéodory's theorem, these channels can always be expressed as a finite linear combination of unitary channels. We consider the mixed-unitary r…
We classify, up to local unitary equivalence, local unitary stabilizer Lie algebras for symmetric mixed states into six classes. These include the stabilizer types of the Werner states, the GHZ state and its generalizations, and Dicke states. For all but the zero algebra, we classify entanglement types (local unitary equivalence classes) of symmetric mixed states that have those stabilizers. We make use of the identification of symmetric density matrices with polynomials in three variables with real coefficients and apply the representation theory of SO(3) on this space of polynomials.
We consider the mixed states of the bipartite quantum system with the first party a qubit and the second a qutrit. The group of local unitary transformations of the system, ignoring the overall phase factor, is the direct product G of SU(2) and SU(3). We compute the simply graded Poincare series of the algebra of G-invariant polynomial functions on the set of mixed states of the system, and construct several low degree invariants.
The nonlocal properties of arbitrary dimensional bipartite quantum systems are investigated. A complete set of invariants under local unitary transformations is presented. These invariants give rise to both sufficient and necessary conditions for the equivalence of quantum states under local unitary transformations: two density matrices are locally equivalent if and only if all these invariants have equal values.
Off-diagonal mixed state phases based upon a concept of orthogonality adapted to unitary evolution and a proper normalisation condition are introduced. Some particular instances are analysed and parallel transport leading to the off-diagonal mixed state geometric phase is delineated. A complete experimental realisation of the off-diagonal mixed state geometric phases in the qubit case using polarisation-entangled two-photon interferometry is proposed.
We present computable criterion for completely classifying multi-qubit quantum states under local unitary operations. The criterion can be used to detect whether two quantum states in multi-qubit systems are local unitary equivalent or not. Once obtaining the positive answer, we are further able to compute the corresponding unitary operators precisely. Since the scheme is based on the mean values of some quantum mechanical observables, it supplies an experimental way to judge the local equivalence of quantum states.
Some problems of the quantum error-correcting codes theory can be reduced to the investigation of the higher-rank numerical ranges of the operators related to the error operators. We constructively verify a conjecture on the structure of higher-rank numerical range for unitary matrices.
Implementing nonlocal unitary operators is an important and hard question in quantum computing and cryptography. We show that any bipartite nonlocal unitary operator of Schmidt rank three on the $(d_A \times d_B)$-dimensional system is locally equivalent to a controlled unitary when $d_A$ is at most three. This operator can be locally implemented assisted by a maximally entangled state of Schmidt rank $r=\min\{d_A^2,d_B\}$. We further show that stochastic-equivalent nonlocal unitary operators are indeed locally equivalent, and propose a sufficient condition on which nonlocal and controlled uni…
The geometric phase for a pure quantal state undergoing an arbitrary evolution is a ``memory'' of the geometry of the path in the projective Hilbert space of the system. We find that Uhlmann's geometric phase for a mixed quantal state undergoing unitary evolution not only depends on the geometry of the path of the system alone but also on a constrained bi-local unitary evolution of the purified entangled state. We analyze this in general, illustrate it for the qubit case, and propose an experiment to test this effect. We also show that the mixed state geometric phase proposed recently in the c…
We verify a conjecture on the structure of higher-rank numerical ranges for a wide class of unitary and normal matrices. Using analytic and geometric techniques, we show precisely how the higher-rank numerical ranges for a generic unitary matrix are given by complex polygons determined by the spectral structure of the matrix. We discuss applications of the results to quantum error correction, specifically to the problem of identification and construction of codes for binary unitary noise models.
The equivalence of multipartite quantum mixed states under local unitary transformations is studied. A criterion for the equivalence of non-degenerate mixed multipartite quantum states under local unitary transformations is presented.
The unitary $ \mathrm{U}(d)$-equivalence relation between elements of the space $\mathfrak{P}_+\,$ of mixed states of $d$-dimensional quantum system defines the orbit space $ \mathfrak{P}_+/ \mathrm{U}(d)\,$ and provides its description in terms the ring $\mathbb{R}[\mathfrak{P}_+]^{\mathrm{U}(d)}\,$ of $\mathrm{U}(d)$-invariant polynomials. We prove that the semi-algebraic structure of $ \mathfrak{P}_+/ \mathrm{U}(d)\, $ is determined completely by two basic properties of density matrices, their semi-positivity and Hermicity. Particularly, it is shown that the Processi-Schwarz inequalities in…
In terms of the analysis of fixed point subgroup and tensor decomposability of certain matrices, we study the equivalence of of quantum bipartite mixed states under local unitary transformations. For non-degenerate case an operational criterion for the equivalence of two such mixed bipartite states under local unitary transformations is presented.
A quantum channel is said to be a mixed-unitary channel if it can be expressed as a convex combination of unitary channels. We prove that, given the Choi representation of a quantum channel, it is NP-hard with respect to polynomial-time Turing reductions to determine whether or not that channel is a mixed-unitary channel. This hardness result holds even under the assumption that the channel is not within an inverse-polynomial distance (in the dimension of the space upon which it acts) of the boundary of the mixed-unitary channels.
We analyze the geometric aspects of unitary evolution of general states for a multilevel quantum system by exploiting the structure of coadjoint orbits in the unitary group Lie algebra. Using the same method in the case of SU(3) we study the effect of degeneracies on geometric phases for three-level systems. This is shown to lead to a highly nontrivial generalization of the result for two-level systems in which degeneracy results in a "monopole" structure in parameter space. The rich structures that arise are related to the geometry of adjoint orbits in SU(3). The limiting case of a two-level …
We study the equivalence of quantum states under local unitary transformations by using the singular value decomposition. A complete set of invariants under local unitary transformations is presented for several classes of tripartite mixed states in KxMxN composite systems. Two density matrices in the same class are equivalent under local unitary transformations if and only if all these invariants have equal values for these density matrices.
We prove that every unitary acting on any multipartite system and having operator Schmidt rank equal to 2 can be diagonalized by local unitaries. This then implies that every such multipartite unitary is locally equivalent to a controlled unitary with every party but one controlling a set of unitaries on the last party. We also prove that any bipartite unitary of Schmidt rank 2 is locally equivalent to a controlled unitary where either party can be chosen as the control, and at least one party can control with two terms, which implies that each such unitary can be implemented using local opera…
Usually models for quantum computations deal with unitary gates on pure states. In this paper we generalize the usual model. We consider a model of quantum computations in which the state is an operator of density matrix and the gates are quantum operations, not necessarily unitary. A mixed state (operator of density matrix) of n two-level quantum systems is considered as an element of $4^{n}$-dimensional operator Hilbert space. Unitary quantum gates and nonunitary quantum operations for n-qubit system are considered as generalized quantum gates acting on mixed state. In this paper we study un…
We investigate the equivalence of bipartite quantum mixed states under local unitary transformations by introducing representation classes from a geometrical approach. It is shown that two bipartite mixed states are equivalent under local unitary transformations if and only if they have the same representation class. Detailed examples are given on calculating representation classes.
The mixed states are important in quantum optics since they frequently appear in the decoherence problems. When one of the components of the system is prepared in the mixed state and the evolution operator of this system is not available, one cannot deduce the density matrix. We present analytical approach to accurately solve this problem. The approach can be applied on the condition that the Schrödinger's equation of the system is solvable with any arbitrary initial state. In deriving the solution we exploit the fact that any mixed state can be expressed in terms of a phase state. The approac…
We prove, using a new method based on map-state duality, lower bounds on entanglement resources needed to deterministically implement a bipartite unitary using separable (SEP) operations, which include LOCC (local operations and classical communication) as a particular case. It is known that the Schmidt rank of an entangled pure state resource cannot be less than the Schmidt rank of the unitary. We prove that if these ranks are equal the resource must be uniformly (maximally) entangled: equal nonzero Schmidt coefficients. Higher rank resources can have less entanglement: we have found numerica…
Majorana Representation (MR) of symmetric $ N $-qubit pure states has been used successfully in entanglement classification. Generalization of this has been a long standing open problem due to the difficulties faced in the construction of a Majorana like geometric representation for symmetric mixed state. We have overcome this problem by developing a method of classifying local unitary (LU) equivalent classes of symmetric $N$-qubit mixed states based on the geometrical Multiaxial Representation (MAR) of the density matrix. In addition to the two parameters defined for the entanglement classifi…
We investigate the equivalence of quantum states under local unitary transformations. A complete set of invariants under local unitary transformations is presented for a class of mixed states. It is shown that two states in this class are locally equivalent if and only if all these invariants have equal values for them.
We investigate the equivalence of quantum mixed states under local unitary transformations. For a class of rank-two mixed states, a sufficient and necessary condition of local equivalence is obtained by giving a complete set of invariants under local unitary transformations, such that two states in this class are locally equivalent if and only if all these invariants have equal values for them.
We consider the statistics of overlaps between a mixed state and its image under random unitary transformations. Choosing the transformations from the unitary group with its invariant (Haar) measure, the distribution of overlaps depends only on the eigenvalues of the mixed state. This allows one to estimate these eigenvalues from the overlap statistics. In the first part of this work, we present explicit results for qutrits, including a discussion of the expected uncertainties in the eigenvalue estimation. In the second part, we assume that the set of available unitary transformations is restr…
We study the local unitary equivalence for two and three-qubit mixed states by investigating the invariants under local unitary transformations. For two-qubit system, we prove that the determination of the local unitary equivalence of 2-qubits states only needs 14 or less invariants for arbitrary two-qubit states. Using the same method, we construct invariants for three-qubit mixed states. We prove that these invariants are sufficient to guarantee the LU equivalence of certain kind of three-qubit states. Also, we make a comparison with earlier works.
We derive necessary and sufficient conditions for local unitary (LU) operators to leave invariant the set of 1-qubit reduced density matrices of a multi-qubit state. LU operators with this property are tensor products of {\it cyclic local} operators, and form a subgroup, the centralizer subgroup of the set of reduced states, of the Lie group $SU(2)^{\otimes n}$. The dimension of this subgroup depends on the type of reduced density matrices. It is maximum when all reduced states are maximally mixed and it is minimum when none of them is maximally mixed. For any given multi-qubit state, pure or …
We consider arbitrary mixed state in unitary evolution and provide a comprehensive description of corresponding geometric phase in which two different points of view prevailing currently can be unified. Introducing an ancillary system and considering the purification of given mixed state, we find that different results of mixed state geometric phase correspond to different choice of the representation of Hilbert space of the ancilla. Moreover we demonstrate that in order to obtain Uhlmann's geometric phase it is not necessary to resort to the unitary evolution of ancilla.
We study the local unitary equivalence of arbitrary dimensional multipartite quantum mixed states. We present a necessary and sufficient criterion of the local unitary equivalence for general multipartite states based on matrix realignment. The criterion is shown to be operational even for particularly degenerated states by detailed examples. Besides, explicit expressions of the local unitary operators are constructed for locally equivalent states. In complement to the criterion, an alternative approach based on partial transposition of matrices is also given, which makes the criterion more ef…
Entanglement and mixedness of a bipartite mixed state resource are crucial for the success of quantum teleportation. Upper bounds on measures of mixedness, namely, von Neumann entropy and linear entropy beyond which the bipartite state ceases to be useful for quantum teleportation are known in the literature. In this work, we generalize these bounds and obtain rank dependent upper bounds on von Nuemann entropy and linear entropy for an arbitrary bipartite mixed state resource. We observe that the upper bounds on measures of mixedness increase with increase in the rank. For two qubit mixed stat…
We first propose a new separability criterion based on algebraic-geometric invariants of bipartite mixed states introduced in [1], then prove that for all low ranks r <m+n-2, generic rank r mixed states in mxn systems have relatively high Schmidt numbers (thus entangled) by this separability criterion. This also means that the algebraic-geometric separability criterion proposed here can be used to dectect all low rank entangled mixed states outside a measure zero set.
Quantum circuit model is the most popular paradigm for implementing complex quantum computation. Based on Cartan decomposition, we show that $2(N-1)$ generalized controlled-$X$ (GCX) gates, $6$ single-qubit rotations about the $y$- and $z$-axes, and $N+5$ single-partite $y$- and $z$-rotation-types which are defined in this paper are sufficient to simulate a controlled-unitary gate $\mathcal{U}_{cu(2\otimes N)}$ with $A$ controlling on $\mathbb{C}^2\otimes \mathbb{C}^N$. In the scenario of the unitary gate $\mathcal{U}_{cd(M\otimes N)}$ with $M\geq3$ that is locally equivalent to a diagonal uni…
We consider the tensor product of the completely depolarising channel on $d\times d$ matrices with the map of Schur multiplication by a $k \times k$ correlation matrix and characterise, via matrix theory methods, when such a map is a mixed (random) unitary channel. When $d=1$, this recovers a result of O'Meara and Pereira, and for larger $d$ is equivalent to a result of Haagerup and Musat that was originally obtained via the theory of factorisation through von Neumann algebras. We obtain a bound on the distance between a given correlation matrix for which this tensor product is nearly mixed un…
We provide a physical prescription based on interferometry for introducing the total phase of a mixed state undergoing unitary evolution, which has been an elusive concept in the past. We define the parallel transport condition that provides a connection-form for obtaining the geometric phase for mixed states. The expression for the geometric phase for mixed state reduces to well known formulas in the pure state case when a system undergoes noncyclic and unitary quantum evolution.
We prove that for many ranks r<2m-2, random rank r mixed states in bipartite mxm systems have relatively high Schmidt numbers, which is based on algebraic-geometric separability criterion proved in [1]. This also means that the algebraic-geometric separability criterion can be used to detect all low rank entangled mixed states outside a measure zero set.
We prove a lower bound for Schmidt numbers of bipartite mixed states. This lower bound can be applied easily to low rank bipartite mixed states. From this lower bound it is known that generic low rank bipartite mixed states have relatively high Schmidt numbers and thus entangled. We can compute Schmidt numbers exactly for some mixed states by this lower bound as shown in Examples. This lower bound can also be used effectively to determine that some mixed states cannot be convertible to other mixed states by local operations and classical communication. The results in this paper are proved by O…
We propose an extended quantum mechanical formalism that is based on a wave operator $\vr$, which is related to the ordinary density matrix via $ρ=\vr\vr^\dagger$. This formalism allows a (generalized) unitary evolution between pure and mixed states. It also preserves much of the connection between symmetries and conservation laws. The new formalism is illustrated for the case of a two level system.
The equivalence problem under local unitary transformation for $n$--partite pure states is reduced to the one for $(n-1)$--partite mixed states. In particular, a tripartite system $\mathcal{H}_A\otimes\mathcal{H}_B\otimes\mathcal{H}_C$, where $\mathcal{H}_j$ is a finite dimensional complex Hilbert space for $j=A,B,C$, is considered and a set of invariants under local transformations is introduced, which is complete for the set of states whose partial trace with respect to $\mathcal{H}_A$ belongs to the class of generic mixed states.
We construct $\ell $-spin-flipping matrices from the coefficient matrices of pure states of $n$ qubits and show that the $\ell $-spin-flipping matrices are congruent and unitary congruent whenever two pure states of $n$ qubits are SLOCC and LU equivalent, respectively. The congruence implies the invariance of ranks of the $\ell $-spin-flipping matrices under SLOCC and then permits a reduction of SLOCC classification of n qubits to calculation of ranks of the $\ell $-spin-flipping matrices. The unitary congruence implies the invariance of singular values of the $\ell $-spin-flipping matrices un…
We study quantum metrology for unitary dynamics. Analytic solutions are given for both the optimal unitary state preparation starting from an arbitrary mixed state and the corresponding optimal measurement precision. This represents a rigorous generalization of known results for optimal initial states and upper bounds on measurement precision which can only be saturated if pure states are available. In particular, we provide a generalization to mixed states of an upper bound on measurement precision for time-dependent Hamiltonians that can be saturated with optimal Hamiltonian control. These r…
Mixed entangled states are generic resource for quantum teleportation. Optimal teleportation fidelity measures the success of quantum teleportation. The relevance of rank in the teleportation process is investigated by constructing three new maximally entangled mixed states (MEMS) of different ranks. Linear entropy, concurrence, optimal teleportation fidelity and Bell function are obtained for each of the state analytically. It is found that mixed states with higher rank are better resource for teleportation. In order to achieve a fixed value of optimal teleportation fidelity, we find that low…
A family of rank-n (n=5,6,7,8) three-qubit mixed states are constructed. The explicit expressions for the three-tangle and optimal decompositions for all these states are given. The CKW relations for these states are also discussed.
We show that any unitary operator on the $d_A\times d_B$ system ($d_A\ge 2$) can be decomposed into the product of at most $4d_A-5$ controlled unitary operators. The number can be reduced to $2d_A-1$ when $d_A$ is a power of two. We also prove that three controlled unitaries can implement a bipartite complex permutation operator, and discuss the connection to an analogous result on classical reversible circuits. We further show that any $n$-partite unitary on the space $\mathbb{C}^{d_1}\otimes...\otimes\mathbb{C}^{d_n}$ is the product of at most $[2\prod^{n-1}_{j=1}(2d_j-2)-1]$ controlled unit…
We consider mixed states of two qubits and show under which global unitary operations their entanglement is maximized. This leads to a class of states that is a generalization of the Bell states. Three measures of entanglement are considered: entanglement of formation, negativity and relative entropy of entanglement. Surprisingly all states that maximize one measure also maximize the others. We will give a complete characterization of these generalized Bell states and prove that these states for fixed eigenvalues are all equivalent under local unitary transformations. We will furthermore chara…
In a recent paper, Rungta et. al. [Phys. Rev. A, 64, 042315, 2001] introduced a measure of mixed-state entanglement called the I-concurrence for arbitrary pairs of qudits. We find an exact formula for an entanglement measure closely related to the I-concurrence, the I-tangle, for all mixed states of two qudits having no more than two nonzero eigenvalues. We use this formula to provide a tight upper bound for the entanglement of formation for rank-2 mixed states of a qubit and a qudit.
The geometric phases of cyclic evolutions for mixed states are discussed in the framework of unitary evolution. A canonical one-form is defined whose line integral gives the geometric phase which is gauge invariant. It reduces to the Aharonov and Anandan phase in the pure state case. Our definition is consistent with the phase shift in the proposed experiment [Phys. Rev. Lett. \textbf{85}, 2845 (2000)] for a cyclic evolution if the unitary transformation satisfies the parallel transport condition. A comprehensive geometric interpretation is also given. It shows that the geometric phases for mi…
We investigate the average entropy of a subsystem within a global unitary orbit of a given mixed bipartite state in the finite-dimensional space. Without working out the closed-form expression of such average entropy for the mixed state case, we provide an analytical lower bound for this average entropy. In deriving this analytical lower bound, we get some useful by-products of independent interest. We also apply these results to estimate average correlation along a global unitary orbit of a given mixed bipartite state. When the notion of von Neumann entropy is replaced by linear entropy, the …
We study the equivalence of mixed states under local unitary transformations. First we express quantum states in Bloch representation. Then based on the coefficient matrices, some invariants are constructed. This method and results can be extended to multipartite high dimensional system.
