Permutation symmetries of multipartite quantum states are defined only when the constituent subsystems are of equal dimensions. In this work we extend this notion of permutation symmetry to heterogeneous systems, that is, systems composed of subsystems having unequal dimensions. Given a tensor product space of
k subsystems (of arbitrary dimensions) and a permutation operation
σ over
k symbols, these states are such that they have identical decompositions (up to an overall phase) in the given tensor product space and the tensor product space obtained by the permuting the subsystems by
σ. Towards this, we construct a matrix whose action is to simultaneously permute the subsystem label and subsystem dimension of a given state according to permutation
σ. Eigenvectors of this matrix have the required symmetry. We then examine entanglement of states in the igenspaces of these matrices. It is found that all nonsymmetric eigenspaces of such matrices are completely entangled subspaces, with states being equally entangled in both the given tensor product space and the permuted tensor product space.
Permutation symmetries of multipartite quantum states are defined only when the constituent subsystems are of equal dimensions. In this work we extend this notion of permutation symmetry to heterogeneous systems, that is, systems composed of subsystems having unequal dimensions. Given a tensor product space of
k subsystems (of arbitrary dimensions) and a permutation operation
σ over
k symbols, these states are such that they have identical decompositions (up to an overall phase) in the given tensor product space and the tensor product space obtained by the permuting the subsystems by
σ. Towards this, we construct a matrix whose action is to simultaneously permute the subsystem label and subsystem dimension of a given state according to permutation
σ. Eigenvectors of this matrix have the required symmetry. We then examine entanglement of states in the igenspaces of these matrices. It is found that all nonsymmetric eigenspaces of such matrices are completely entangled subspaces, with states being equally entangled in both the given tensor product space and the permuted tensor product space.
An exposition of quantum permutation groups where an alternative to the 'Gelfand picture' of compact quantum groups is proposed. This point of view is inspired by algebraic quantum mechanics and posits that states on the algebra of continuous functions on a quantum permutation group can be interpreted as quantum permutations. This interpretation allows talk of an element of a compact quantum permutation group, and allows a clear understanding of the difference between deterministic, random, and quantum permutations. The interpretation is illustrated with the Kac-Paljutkin quantum group, the duals of finite groups, as well as by other finite quantum group phenomena.