Hilbert-Schmidt Separability Research Articles

Numerical and exact analyses of Bures and Hilbert–Schmidt separability and PPT probabilities

We employ a quasirandom methodology, recently developed by Martin Roberts, to estimate the separability probabilities, with respect to the Bures (minimal monotone/statistical distinguishability) measure, of generic two-qubit and two-rebit states. This procedure, based on generalized properties of the golden ratio, yielded, in the course of almost seventeen billion iterations (recorded at intervals of five million), two-qubit estimates repeatedly close to nine decimal places to $\frac{25}{341} =\frac{5^2}{11 \cdot 31} \approx 0.073313783$. Howeer, despite the use of over twenty-three billion iterations, we do not presently perceive an exact value (rational or otherwise) for an estimate of 0.15709623 for the Bures two-rebit separability probability. The Bures qubit-qutrit case--for which Khvedelidze and Rogojin gave an estimate of 0.0014--is analyzed too. The value of $\frac{1}{715}=\frac{1}{5 \cdot 11 \cdot 13} \approx 0.00139860$ is a well-fitting value to an estimate of 0.00139884. Interesting values ($\frac{16}{12375} =\frac{4^2}{3^2 \cdot 5^3 \cdot 11}$ and $\frac{625}{109531136}=\frac{5^4}{2^{12} \cdot 11^2 \cdot 13 \cdot 17}$) are conjectured for the Hilbert-Schmidt (HS) and Bures qubit-qudit ($2 \times 4$) positive-partial-transpose (PPT)-probabilities. We re-examine, strongly supporting, conjectures that the HS qubit-{\it qutrit} and rebit-{\it retrit} separability probabilities are $\frac{27}{1000}=\frac{3^3}{2^3 \cdot 5^3}$ and $\frac{860}{6561}= \frac{2^2 \cdot 5 \cdot 43}{3^8}$, respectively. Prior studies have demonstrated that the HS two-rebit separability probability is $\frac{29}{64}$ and strongly pointed to the HS two-qubit counterpart being $\frac{8}{33}$, and a certain operator monotone one (other than the Bures) being $1 -\frac{256}{27 \pi^2}$.

Extensions of generalized two-qubit separability probability analyses to higher dimensions, additional measures and new methodologies

We first seek the rebit-retrit counterpart to the (formally proven by Lovas and Andai) two-rebit Hilbert-Schmidt separability probability of $\frac{29}{64} =\frac{29}{2^6} \approx 0.453125$ and the qubit-qutrit analogue of the (strongly supported) value of $\frac{8}{33} = \frac{2^3}{3 \cdot 11} \approx 0.242424$. We advance the possibilities of a rebit-retrit value of $\frac{860}{6561} =\frac{2^2 \cdot 5 \cdot 43}{3^8} \approx 0.131078$ and a qubit-qutrit one of $\frac{27}{1000} = (\frac{3}{10})^3 =\frac{3^3}{2^3 \cdot 5^3} = 0.027$. These four values for $2 \times m$ systems ($m=2,3$) suggest certain numerator/denominator sequences involving powers of $m$, which we further investigate for $m>3$. Additionally, we find that the Hilbert-Schmidt separability/PPT-probabilities for the two-rebit, rebit-retrit and two-retrit $X$-states all equal $\frac{16}{3 \pi^2} \approx 0.54038$, as well as more generally, that the probabilities based on induced measures are equal across these three sets. Then, we extend the master Lovas-Andai formula to induced measures. For instance, the two-qubit function ($k=0$) is $\tilde{\chi}_{2,0}(\varepsilon)=\frac{1}{3} \varepsilon^2 (4 -\varepsilon^2)$, yielding $\frac{8}{33}$, while its $k=1$ induced measure counterpart is $\tilde{\chi}_{2,1}(\varepsilon)=\frac{1}{4} \varepsilon ^2 \left(3-\varepsilon ^2\right)^2$, yielding $\frac{61}{143} =\frac{61}{11 \cdot 13} \approx 0.426573$, where $\varepsilon$ is a singular-value ratio. Interpolations between Hilbert-Schmidt and operator monotone (Bures, $\sqrt{x}$) measures are also studied. Using a recently-developed golden-ratio-related (quasirandom sequence) approach, current (significant digits) estimates of the two-rebit and two-qubit Bures separability probabilities are 0.15709 and 0.07331, respectively.

Master Lovas–Andai and equivalent formulas verifying the $$\frac{8}{33}$$ 8 33 two-qubit Hilbert–Schmidt separability probability and companion rational-valued conjectures

We begin by investigating relationships between two forms of Hilbert-Schmidt two-re[al]bit and two-qubit "separability functions"--those recently advanced by Lovas and Andai (J. Phys. A 50 [2017] 295303), and those earlier presented by Slater (J. Phys. A 40 [2007] 14279). In the Lovas-Andai framework, the independent variable $\varepsilon \in [0,1]$ is the ratio $\sigma(V)$ of the singular values of the $2 \times 2$ matrix $V=D_2^{1/2} D_1^{-1/2}$ formed from the two $2 \times 2$ diagonal blocks ($D_1, D_2$) of a $4 \times 4$ density matrix $D$. In the Slater setting, the independent variable $\mu$ is the diagonal-entry ratio $\sqrt{\frac{\rho_{11} \rho_{44}}{\rho_{22} \rho_{33}}}$--with, of central importance, $\mu=\varepsilon$ or $\mu=\frac{1}{\varepsilon}$ when both $D_1$ and $D_2$ are themselves diagonal. Lovas and Andai established that their two-rebit "separability function" $\tilde{\chi}_1 (\varepsilon )$ ($\approx \varepsilon$) yields the previously conjectured Hilbert-Schmidt separability probability of $\frac{29}{64}$. We are able, in the Slater framework (using cylindrical algebraic decompositions [CAD] to enforce positivity constraints), to reproduce this result. Further, we newly find its two-qubit (yielding $\frac{8}{33}$), two-quater[nionic]-bit (yielding $\frac{26}{323}$) and "two-octo[nionic]-bit" (yielding $\frac{44482}{4091349}$) counterparts. Then, we find a Lovas-Andai "master formula", $\tilde{\chi_d}(\varepsilon)= \frac{\varepsilon ^d \Gamma (d+1)^3 \,_3\tilde{F}_2\left(-\frac{d}{2},\frac{d}{2},d;\frac{d}{2}+1,\frac{3d}{2}+1;\varepsilon ^2\right)}{\Gamma \left(\frac{d}{2}+1\right)^2}$ encompassing both even and odd values of $d$. C. Koutschan, then, using his HolonomicFunctions program, develops an order-4 recurrence satisfied by the predictions of the several formulas, establishing their equivalence.

Generalized two-qubit whole and half Hilbert–Schmidt separability probabilities

Compelling evidence-though yet no formal proof-has been adduced that the probability that a generic (standard) two-qubit state ($\rho$) is separable/disentangled is $\frac{8}{33}$ (arXiv:1301.6617, arXiv:1109.2560, arXiv:0704.3723). Proceeding in related analytical frameworks, using a further determinantal $4F3$-hypergeometric moment formula (Appendix A), we reach, {\it via} density-approximation procedures, the conclusion that one-half ($\frac{4}{33}$) of this probability arises when the determinantal inequality $|\rho^{PT}|>|\rho|$, where $PT$ denotes the partial transpose, is satisfied, and, the other half, when $|\rho|>|\rho^{PT}|$. These probabilities are taken with respect to the flat, Hilbert-Schmidt measure on the fifteen-dimensional convex set of $4 \times 4$ density matrices. We find fully parallel bisection/equipartition results for the previously adduced, as well, two-"re[al]bit" and two-"quater[nionic]bit"separability probabilities of $\frac{29}{64}$ and $\frac{26}{323}$, respectively. The new determinantal $4F3$-hypergeometric moment formula is, then, adjusted (Appendices B and C) to the boundary case of minimally degenerate states ($|\rho|=0$), and its consistency manifested-also using density-approximation-with a theorem of Szarek, Bengtsson and {\.Z}yczkowski (arXiv:quant-ph/0509008). This theorem states that the Hilbert-Schmidt separability probabilities of generic minimally degenerate two-qubit states are (again) one-half those of the corresponding generic nondegenerate states.

A concise formula for generalized two-qubit Hilbert–Schmidt separability probabilities

We report major advances in the research program initiated in ‘Moment-based evidence for simple rational-valued Hilbert–Schmidt generic 2 × 2 separability probabilities’ (Slater and Dunkl 2012 J. Phys. A: Math. Theor. 45 095305). A highly succinct separability probability function P(α) is put forth, yielding for generic (nine-dimensional) two-rebit systems, , (15-dimensional) two-qubit systems, and (27-dimensional) two-quater(nionic)bit systems, . This particular form of P(α) was obtained by Qing-Hu Hou by applying Zeilberger's algorithm (‘creative telescoping’) to a fully equivalent—but considerably more complicated—expression containing six 7F6 hypergeometric functions (all with argument ). That hypergeometric form itself had been obtained using systematic, high-accuracy probability-distribution-reconstruction computations. These employed 7501 determinantal moments of partially transposed 4 × 4 density matrices, parameterized by . From these computations, exact rational-valued separability probabilities were discernible. The (integral/half-integral) sequences of 32 rational values then served as input to the Mathematica FindSequenceFunction command, from which the initially obtained hypergeometric form of P(α) emerged.

Advances in delimiting the Hilbert–Schmidt separability probability of real two-qubit systems

We seek to derive the probability—expressed in terms of the Hilbert–Schmidt (Euclidean or flat) metric—that a generic (nine-dimensional) real two-qubit system is separable, by implementing the well-known Peres–Horodecki test on the partial transposes (PTs) of the associated 4 × 4 density matrices (ρ). But the full implementation of the test—requiring that the determinant of the PT be nonnegative for separability to hold—appears to be, at least presently, computationally intractable. So, we have previously implemented—using the auxiliary concept of a diagonal-entry-parameterized separability function (DESF)—the weaker implied test of nonnegativity of the six 2 × 2 principal minors of the PT. This yielded an exact upper bound on the separability probability of . Here, we piece together (reflection-symmetric) results obtained by requiring that each of the four 3 × 3 principal minors of the PT, in turn, be nonnegative, giving an improved/reduced upper bound of . Then, we conclude that a still further improved upper bound of can be found by similarly piecing together the (reflection-symmetric) results of enforcing the simultaneous nonnegativity of certain pairs of the four 3 × 3 principal minors. Numerical simulations—as opposed to exact symbolic calculations—indicate, on the other hand, that the true probability is certainly less than . Our analyses lead us to suggest a possible form for the true DESF, yielding a separability probability of , while the absolute separability probability of provides the best exact lower bound established so far. In deriving our improved upper bounds, we rely repeatedly upon the use of certain integrals over cubes that arise. Finally, we apply an independence assumption to a pair of DESFs that comes close to reproducing our numerical estimate of the true separability function.

Dyson indices and Hilbert–Schmidt separability functions and probabilities

A confluence of numerical and theoretical results leads us to conjecture that the Hilbert–Schmidt separability probabilities of the 15- and 9-dimensional convex sets of complex and real two-qubit states (representable by 4 × 4 density matrices ρ) are and , respectively. Central to our reasoning are the modifications of two ansätze, recently advanced by Slater (2007 Phys. Rev. A 75 032326), involving incomplete beta functions Bν(a, b), where . We, now, set the separability function proportional to . Then, in the complex case—conforming to a pattern we find, manifesting the Dyson indices (β = 1, 2, 4) of random matrix theory—we take proportional to . We also investigate the real and complex qubit–qutrit cases. Now, there are two variables, , but they appear to remarkably coalesce into the product , so that the real and complex separability functions are again univariate in nature.

Hilbert–Schmidt separability probabilities and noninformativity of priors

The Horodecki family employed the Jaynes maximum-entropy principle, fitting the mean (b_{1}) of the Bell-CHSH observable (B). This model was extended by Rajagopal by incorporating the dispersion (\sigma_{1}^2) of the observable, and by Canosa and Rossignoli, by generalizing the observable (B_{\alpha}). We further extend the Horodecki one-parameter model in both these manners, obtaining a three-parameter (b_{1},\sigma_{1}^2,\alpha) two-qubit model, for which we find a highly interesting/intricate continuum (-\infty < \alpha < \infty) of Hilbert-Schmidt (HS) separability probabilities -- in which, the golden ratio is featured. Our model can be contrasted with the three-parameter (b_{q}, \sigma_{q}^2,q) one of Abe and Rajagopal, which employs a q(Tsallis)-parameter rather than $\alpha$, and has simply q-invariant HS separability probabilities of 1/2. Our results emerge in a study initially focused on embedding certain information metrics over the two-level quantum systems into a q-framework. We find evidence that Srednicki's recently-stated biasedness criterion for noninformative priors yields rankings of priors fully consistent with an information-theoretic test of Clarke, previously applied to quantum systems by Slater.

Qubit-qutrit separability-probability ratios

Paralleling our recent computationally-intensive (quasi-Monte Carlo) work for the case N=4 (quant-ph/0308037), we undertake the task for N=6 of computing to high numerical accuracy, the formulas of Sommers and Zyczkowski (quant-ph/0304041) for the (N^2-1)-dimensional volume and (N^2-2)-dimensional hyperarea of the (separable and nonseparable) N x N density matrices, based on the Bures (minimal monotone) metric -- and also their analogous formulas (quant-ph/0302197) for the (non-monotone) Hilbert-Schmidt metric. With the same seven billion well-distributed (``low-discrepancy'') sample points, we estimate the unknown volumes and hyperareas based on five additional (monotone) metrics of interest, including the Kubo-Mori and Wigner-Yanase. Further, we estimate all of these seven volume and seven hyperarea (unknown) quantities when restricted to the separable density matrices. The ratios of separable volumes (hyperareas) to separable plus nonseparable volumes (hyperareas) yield estimates of the separability probabilities of generically rank-six (rank-five) density matrices. The (rank-six) separability probabilities obtained based on the 35-dimensional volumes appear to be -- independently of the metric (each of the seven inducing Haar measure) employed -- twice as large as those (rank-five ones) based on the 34-dimensional hyperareas. Accepting such a relationship, we fit exact formulas to the estimates of the Bures and Hilbert-Schmidt separable volumes and hyperareas.(An additional estimate -- 33.9982 -- of the ratio of the rank-6 Hilbert-Schmidt separability probability to the rank-4 one is quite clearly close to integral too.) The doubling relationship also appears to hold for the N=4 case for the Hilbert-Schmidt metric, but not the others. We fit exact formulas for the Hilbert-Schmidt separable volumes and hyperareas.