Characterizing the superposition of arbitrary random quantum states and a known quantum state

Abstract

The superposition of states is one of the most fundamental issues in the quantum world. Generally there do not exist physical operations to superpose two unknown random states with nonzero probability. We investigate the superposition problem of unknown qubit states with respect to a known qubit state. It is shown that under trace-nonincreasing completely positive operations the superposable state sets are located in some circles on the Bloch sphere. Meanwhile, we prove that the quantum states in a circle on the Bloch sphere are superposable with respect to a known state. Finally, for the high-dimensional case, we illustrate that any superposition transformation protocols will violate the no-cloning principle for almost all the states. Our results also promote the understanding and applications of the superposition principle in view of quantum no-go theorems.