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arXiv:1202.1713 · Physical Review A

Incomplete quantum state estimation: A comprehensive study

Yong Siah Teo, B. Stoklasa, Berthold‐Georg Englert, Jaroslav Řeháček, Z. Hradil

Published Apr 16, 2012• 38 citations
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Abstract

We present a detailed account of quantum state estimation by joint maximization of the likelihood and the entropy. After establishing the algorithms for both perfect and imperfect measurements, we apply the procedure to data from simulated and actual experiments. We demonstrate that the realistic situation of incomplete data from imperfect measurements can be handled successfully.

DOI
10.1103/physreva.85.042317

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There exists, in general, a convex set of quantum state estimators that maximize the likelihood for informationally incomplete data. We propose an estimation scheme, catered to measurement data of this kind, to search for the exact maximum-likelihood-maximum-entropy estimator using semidefinite programming and a standard multi-dimensional function optimization routine. This scheme can be used to infer the expectation values of a set of entanglement witnesses that can be used to verify the entanglement of the unknown quantum state for composite systems. Next, we establish an alternative numerical scheme that is more computationally robust for the sole purpose of maximizing the likelihood and entropy.
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The question of what information about a quantum state may be inferred from a sequence of measurements made on it, is addressed. The main result is that maximum-likelihood estimation gives an arguably natural optimum approach in quantum theory. It singles out a particular choice of basis, in which the state is expressed. Various incompatible and incomplete observations made on the ensemble are treated as a complete generalized measurement. Consequently, the maximum likelihood (relative entropy) is the best measure for relating experimental data with theoretical predictions of quantum theory.
Knowing and guessing, these are two essential epistemological pillars in the theory of quantum-mechanical measurement. As formulated quantum mechanics is a statistical theory. In general, a priori unknown states can be completely determined only when measurements on infinite ensembles of identically prepared quantum systems are performed. But how one can estimate (guess) quantum state when just incomplete data are available (known)? What is the most reliable estimation based on a given measured data? What is the optimal measurement providing only a finite number of identically prepared quantum objects are available? These are some of the questions we address. We present several schemes for a reconstruction of states of quantum systems from measured data: (1) We show how the maximum entropy (MaxEnt) principle can be efficiently used for an estimation of quantum states on incomplete observation levels. (2) We show how Bayesian inference can be used for reconstruction of quantum states when only a finite number of identically prepared systems are measured. (3) We describe the optimal generalized measurement of a finite number of identically prepared quantum systems which results in the estimation of a quantum state with the highest fidelity.