Comparing two entropy functions of a quantum channel

Abstract

Inspired by a conjecture related to numerical investigations for a quantum channel in a system of large size, we shall study relations between two different entropies of a quantum channel. One of them is defined by Gour and Wilde as the generalization of quantum relative entropy and maximally mixed state. The second one is defined as the difference between the entropy of the Choi state of the quantum channel and a constant number. At first, we show that the latter entropy is an upper boundary of the former entropy. Moreover, we also give a sufficient and necessary condition that the two entropies are equal. That is, if and only if the relative entropy reaches its supremum on the maximal entangled pure state in the former entropy. At last, to study the difference between the two entropies, we expect to find some quantum channels in which their related entropies do not reach their supremum on the maximal entangled pure states for the former entropy. By calculating the two entropies, we find that amplitude-damping channels are desired examples.