No-broadcasting Theorem Research Articles

Virtual Quantum Broadcasting.

The quantum no-broadcasting theorem states that it is impossible to produce perfect copies of an arbitrary quantum state, even if the copies are allowed to be correlated. Here we show that, although quantum broadcasting cannot be achieved by any physical process, it can be achieved by a virtual process, described by a Hermitian-preserving trace-preserving map. This virtual process is canonical: it is the only map that broadcasts all quantum states, is covariant under unitary evolution, is invariant under permutations of the copies, and reduces to the classical broadcasting map when subjected to decoherence. We show that the optimal physical approximation to the canonical broadcasting map is the optimal universal quantum cloning, and we also show that virtual broadcasting can be achieved by a virtual measure-and-prepare protocol, where a virtual measurement is performed, and, depending on the outcomes, two copies of a virtual quantum state are generated. Finally, we use canonical virtual broadcasting to prove a uniqueness result for quantum states over time.

Dispensing of quantum information beyond no-broadcasting theorem—is it possible to broadcast anything genuinely quantum?

No-broadcasting theorem is one of the most fundamental results in quantum information theory; it guarantees that the simplest attacks on any quantum protocol, based on eavesdropping and copying of quantum information, are impossible. Due to the fundamental importance of the no-broadcasting theorem, it is essential to understand the exact boundaries of this limitation. We generalize the standard definition of broadcasting by restricting the set of states which we want to broadcast and restricting the sets of measurements which we use to test the broadcasting. We show that in some of the investigated cases broadcasting is equivalent to commutativity, while in other cases commutativity is not necessary.

Amplifying asymmetry with correlating catalysts

We investigate the basic constraint on amplifying the asymmetry in quantum states with correlated catalysts. Here a correlated catalyst is a finite-dimensional auxiliary, which exactly preserves its reduced state while allowed to become correlated to the quantum system. Interestingly, we prove that under translationally invariant operations, catalysts in pure states are useless in any state transformation, while with a correlated catalyst in a mixed state, one can enlarge the set of accessible states from an initially asymmetric state. Moreover, we show that the power of a catalyst increases with its dimension, and further, with a large enough catalyst, a qubit state with arbitrarily small amount of asymmetry can be converted to any mixed qubit state. In doing so, we build a bridge between two important results concerning the restrictions on coherence conversion, the no-broadcasting theorem and the catalytic coherence. Our results may also apply to the constraints on coherence evolution in quantum thermodynamics, and to the distribution of timing information between quantum clocks.

No-Broadcasting Theorem for Quantum Asymmetry and Coherence and a Trade-off Relation for Approximate Broadcasting.

Symmetries of both closed- and open-system dynamics imply many significant constraints. These generally have instantiations in both classical and quantum dynamics (Noether's theorem, for instance, applies to both sorts of dynamics). We here provide an example of such a constraint which has no counterpart for a classical system, that is, a uniquely quantum consequence of symmetric dynamics. Specifically, we demonstrate the impossibility of broadcasting asymmetry (symmetry breaking) relative to a continuous symmetry group, for bounded-size quantum systems. The no-go theorem states that if two initially uncorrelated systems interact by symmetric dynamics and asymmetry is created at one subsystem, then the asymmetry of the other subsystem must be reduced. We also find a quantitative relation describing the trade-off between the subsystems. These results cannot be understood in terms of additivity of asymmetry, because, as we show here, any faithful measure of asymmetry violates both subadditivity and superadditivity. Rather, they must be understood as a consequence of an (intrinsically quantum) information-disturbance principle. Our result also implies that if a bounded-size quantum reference frame for the symmetry group, or equivalently, a bounded-size reservoir of coherence (e.g., a clock with coherence between energy eigenstates in quantum thermodynamics) is used to implement any operation that is not symmetric, then the quantum state of the frame or reservoir is necessarily disturbed in an irreversible fashion, i.e., degraded.

Simulability of observables in general probabilistic theories

The existence of incompatibility is one of the most fundamental features of quantum theory, and can be found at the core of many of the theory's distinguishing features, such as Bell inequality violations and the no-broadcasting theorem. A scheme for obtaining new observables from existing ones via classical operations, the so-called simulation of observables, has led to an extension of the notion of compatibility for measurements. We consider the simulation of observables within the operational framework of general probabilistic theories and introduce the concept of simulation irreducibility. While a simulation irreducible observable can only be simulated by itself, we show that any observable can be simulated by simulation irreducible observables, which in the quantum case correspond to extreme rank-1 positive-operator-valued measures. We also consider cases where the set of simulators is restricted in one of two ways: in terms of either the number of simulating observables or their number of outcomes. The former is seen to be closely connected to compatibility and $k$-compatibility, whereas the latter leads to a partial characterization for dichotomic observables. In addition to the quantum case, we further demonstrate these concepts in state spaces described by regular polygons.

Information-theoretic limitations on approximate quantum cloning and broadcasting

We prove new quantitative limitations on any approximate simultaneous cloning or broadcasting of mixed states. The results are based on information-theoretic (entropic) considerations and generalize the well known no-cloning and no-broadcasting theorems. We also observe and exploit the fact that the universal cloning machine on the symmetric subspace of $n$ qudits and symmetrized partial trace channels are dual to each other. This duality manifests itself both in the algebraic sense of adjointness of quantum channels and in the operational sense that a universal cloning machine can be used as an approximate recovery channel for a symmetrized partial trace channel and vice versa. The duality extends to give control on the performance of generalized UQCMs on subspaces more general than the symmetric subspace. This gives a way to quantify the usefulness of a-priori information in the context of cloning. For example, we can control the performance of an antisymmetric analogue of the UQCM in recovering from the loss of $n-k$ fermionic particles.

Broadcasting of quantum correlations: Possibilities and impossibilities

In this work, we extensively study the problem of broadcasting of quantum correlations. This includes broadcasting of quantum entanglement as well as correlations that go beyond the notion of entanglement. It is quite well known from the "No-Broadcasting theorem" that perfect broadcasting of quantum correlation is not possible. However it does not rule out the possibility of partial broadcasting of correlations where we can get lesser correlated states from a given correlated state. In order to have a holistic view of broadcasting, we investigate this problem by starting with most general representation of two qubit mixed states in terms of the Bloch vectors. As a cloning transformation we have used universal symmetric optimal Buzek-Hillery (B-H) cloner both locally and nonlocally. More specifically, we obtain a set of ranges in terms of Bloch vectors for which broadcasting of entanglement will be possible. In addition to the idea of broadcasting of entanglement for general two qubit mixed states, we explore broadcasting of quantum correlations that go beyond entanglement with the help of both local and nonlocal cloners. Remarkably, we find that it is impossible to even partially broadcast such correlations by using both local and nonlocal quantum copying machines. Taking two different types Buzek-Hillery quantum cloners (state dependent and state independent) we analytically prove the impossibility of even partial broadcasting of correlation. Lastly, we generalize this impossibility result for any symmetric or asymmetric cloning machines as well. This result brings out a fundamental difference between the correlation defined from the perspective of entanglement and the correlation measure which claims to go beyond entanglement.

Biomimetic cloning of quantum observables.

We propose a bio-inspired sequential quantum protocol for the cloning and preservation of the statistics associated to quantum observables of a given system. It combines the cloning of a set of commuting observables, permitted by the no-cloning and no-broadcasting theorems, with a controllable propagation of the initial state coherences to the subsequent generations. The protocol mimics the scenario in which an individual in an unknown quantum state copies and propagates its quantum information into an environment of blank qubits. Finally, we propose a realistic experimental implementation of this protocol in trapped ions.

Decomposition of bipartite states with applications to quantum no-broadcasting theorems

Correlations in bipartite quantum states are fundamental objects in quantum information theory. A canonical framework for studying correlations is the entangled versus separable dichotomy in which the decompositions of separable states as convex combinations of product states play an instrumental role. In this paper, motivated by both the representation of separable states and quantum no-broadcasting considerations, we establish a constructive decomposition representation for any bipartite state. As applications, we prove the conjectures proposed by Luo [Lett. Math. Phys. 92, 143 (2010)] concerning no-unilocal broadcasting for quantum correlations and further provide a unified picture for the celebrated quantum no-broadcasting theorem for noncommuting states by Barnum et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 76, 2818 (1996)], and the elegant no-local-broadcasting theorem for quantum correlations by Piani et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 100, 090502 (2008)]. The results reveal some intrinsic relation between quantumness of correlations and noncommutativity of states, and in particular, provide a characterization for zero quantum discord introduced by Ollivier and Zurek [Phys. Rev. Lett. 88, 017901 (2001)] from the broadcasting perspective. Furthermore, it is indicated that the distinction between the decomposition for general bipartite states and that for separable states might be useful in studying entanglement versus separability.

On Quantum No-Broadcasting

We address the issue of one-side local broadcasting for correlations in a quantum bipartite state, and conjecture that the correlations can be broadcast if and only if they are classical–quantum, or equivalently, the quantum discord, as defined by Ollivier and Zurek (Phys Rev Lett 88:017901, 2002), vanishes. We prove this conjecture when the reduced state is maximally mixed and further provide various plausible arguments supporting this conjecture. Moreover, we demonstrate that the conjecture implies the following two elegant and fundamental no-broadcasting theorems: (1) The original no-broadcasting theorem by Barnum et al. (Phys Rev Lett 76:2818, 1996), which states that a family of quantum states can be broadcast if and only if the quantum states commute. (2) The no-local-broadcasting theorem for quantum correlations by Piani et al. (Phys Rev Lett 100:090502, 2008), which states that the correlations in a single bipartite state can be locally broadcast if and only if they are classical. The results provide an informational interpretation for classical–quantum states from an operational perspective and shed new lights on the intrinsic relation between non-commutativity and quantumness.

Linear assignment maps for correlated system-environment states

Assignment maps are mathematical operators that describe initial system-environment states for open quantum systems. We re-examine the notion of assignments that account for correlations between the system and the environment and show that these maps can be made linear at the expense of giving up positivity or consistency of the map. We study the role of positivity and consistency of the map and show the effects of relaxing these. Finally, we establish a connection between the violation of the positivity of linear assignments and the no-broadcasting theorem.

Relation between “no broadcasting” for noncommuting states and “no local broadcasting” for quantum correlations

The no-broadcasting theorem, first established by Barnum et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 76, 2818 (1996)], states that a set of quantum states can be broadcast if and only if it constitutes a commuting family. Quite recently, Piani et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 100, 090502 (2008)] showed, by using an ingenious and sophisticated method, that the correlations in a single bipartite state can be locally broadcast if and only if the state is effectively a classical one (i.e., the correlations therein are classical). In this Brief Report, under the condition of nondegenerate spectrum, we provide an alternative and significantly simpler proof of the latter result based on the original no-broadcasting theorem and the monotonicity of the quantum relative entropy. This derivation motivates us to conjecture the equivalence between these two elegant yet formally different no-broadcasting theorems and indicates a subtle and fundamental issue concerning spectral degeneracy which also lies at the heart of the conflict between the von Neumann projection postulate and the Lueders ansatz for quantum measurements. This relation not only offers operational interpretations for commutativity and classicality but also illustrates the basic significance of noncommutativity in characterizing quantumness from the informational perspective.

No-Broadcasting Theorem and Its Classical Counterpart

Although it is widely accepted that "no-broadcasting"-the nonclonability of quantum information-is a fundamental principle of quantum mechanics, an impossibility theorem for the broadcasting of general density matrices has not yet been formulated. In this Letter, we present a general proof for the no-broadcasting theorem, which applies to arbitrary density matrices. The proof relies on entropic considerations, and as such can also be directly linked to its classical counterpart, which applies to probabilistic distributions of statistical ensembles.

The Information-Disturbance Tradeoff and the Continuity of Stinespring's Representation

Stinespring's dilation theorem is the basic structure theorem for quantum channels: it states that any quantum channel arises from a unitary evolution on a larger system. Here we prove a continuity theorem for Stinespring's dilation: if two quantum channels are close in cb-norm, then it is always possible to find unitary implementations which are close in operator norm, with dimension-independent bounds. This result generalizes Uhlmann's theorem from states to channels and allows to derive a formulation of the information-disturbance tradeoff in terms of quantum channels, as well as a continuity estimate for the no-broadcasting theorem. We briefly discuss further implications for quantum cryptography, thermalization processes, and the black hole information loss puzzle.

No-Local-Broadcasting Theorem for Multipartite Quantum Correlations

We prove that the correlations present in a multipartite quantum state have an operational quantum character even if the state is unentangled, as long as it does not simply encode a multipartite classical probability distribution. Said quantumness is revealed by the new task of local broadcasting, i.e., of locally sharing preestablished correlations, which is feasible if and only if correlations are stricly classical. Our operational approach leads to natural definitions of measures for quantumness of correlations. It also reproduces the standard no-broadcasting theorem as a special case.

Generalized No-Broadcasting Theorem

We prove a generalized version of the no-broadcasting theorem, applicable to essentially any nonclassical finite-dimensional probabilistic model satisfying a no-signaling criterion, including ones with "superquantum" correlations. A strengthened version of the quantum no-broadcasting theorem follows, and its proof is significantly simpler than existing proofs of the no-broadcasting theorem.

Quantum broadcasting problem in classical low-power signal processing

We prove a no-broadcasting theorem for the Holevo information of a noncommuting ensemble stating that no operation can generate a bipartite ensemble such that both copies have the same information as the original. We argue that upper bounds on the average information over both copies imply lower bounds on the quantum capacity required to send the ensemble without information loss. This is because a channel with zero quantum capacity has a unitary extension transferring at least as much information to its environment as it transfers to the output. For an ensemble being the time orbit of a pure state under a Hamiltonian evolution, we derive such a bound on the required quantum capacity in terms of properties of the input and output energy distribution. Moreover, we discuss relations between the broadcasting problem and entropy power inequalities. The broadcasting problem arises when a signal should be transmitted by a time-invariant device such that the outgoing signal has the same timing information as the incoming signal had. Based on previous results we argue that this establishes a link between quantum information theory and the theory of low power computing because the loss of timing information implies loss of free energy.

Quantum dynamics as an analog of conditional probability

Quantum theory can be regarded as a noncommutative generalization of classical probability. From this point of view, one expects quantum dynamics to be analogous to classical conditional probabilities. In this paper, a variant of the well-known isomorphism between completely positive maps and bipartite density operators is derived, which makes this connection much more explicit. This isomorphism is given an operational interpretation in terms of statistical correlations between ensemble preparation procedures and outcomes of measurements. Finally, the isomorphism is applied to elucidate the connection between no-cloning and no-broadcasting theorems and the monogamy of entanglement, and a simplified proof of the no-broadcasting theorem is obtained as a by-product.

Superbroadcasting of Mixed States

We derive the optimal universal broadcasting for mixed states of qubits. We show that the no-broadcasting theorem cannot be generalized to more than a single input copy. Moreover, for four or more input copies it is even possible to purify the input states while broadcasting. We name such purifying broadcasting superbroadcasting.

Quasi-order of clocks and their synchronism and quantum bounds for copying timing information

The statistical state of any (classical or quantum) system with nontrivial time evolution can be interpreted as the pointer of a clock. The quality of such a clock is given by the statistical distinguishability of its states at different times. If a clock is used as a resource for producing another one the latter can at most have the quality of the resource. We show that this principle, formalized by a quasi-order, implies constraints on many physical processes. Similarly, the degree to which two (quantum or classical) clocks are synchronized can be formalized by a quasi-order of synchronism. Copying timing information is restricted by quantum no-cloning and no-broadcasting theorems since classical clocks can only exist in the limit of infinite energy. We show this quantitatively by comparing the Fisher timing information of two output systems to the input's timing information. For classical signal processing in the quantum regime our results imply that a signal looses its localization in time if it is amplified and distributed to many devices.