Fractional $k$-positivity: a continuous refinement of the $k$-positive scale

Abstract

We introduce a real-parameter refinement of the classical integer hierarchies underlying Schmidt number, block-positivity, and $k$-positivity for maps between matrix algebras. Starting from a compact family of $α$-admissible unit vectors ($α\in[1,d]$), we define closed cones $\mathsf K_α$ of bipartite positive operators that interpolate strictly between successive Schmidt-number cones, together with their dual witness cones. Via the Choi--Jamiołkowski correspondence this yields a matching filtration of map cones $\mathsf P_α$, recovering the usual $k$-positive/$k$-superpositive classes at integer parameters and complete positivity at the top endpoint. Two results show that the fractional levels capture genuinely new structure. First, we prove a \emph{fractional Kraus theorem}: $α$-superpositive maps are precisely the completely positive maps admitting a Kraus decomposition whose Kraus operators satisfy an explicit singular-value (Ky--Fan) constraint, extending the classical rank-$k$ characterization. Second, for non-integer $α$ the cones $\mathsf P_α$ fail stability under CP post-composition, highlighting a sharp structural transition away from the integer theory. Finally, we derive sharp thresholds on canonical symmetric families (including the depolarizing ray and the isotropic slice), turning familiar stepwise criteria into continuous, computable profiles.