Analysis and Probability seminar

Abstract: The task of distinguishing two quantum states is a fundamental problem in quantum theory. The celebrated quantum Stein’s lemma connects the distinguishability of quantum states with the concept of quantum relative entropy. A conjecture, known as the “generalized quantum Stein’s lemma” asserts that this result is true in a general framework where one of the states is replaced by convex sets of quantum states, satisfying some natural axioms.

Recent findings have shown that this conjecture has surprisingly deep connections with the theory of entanglement. In this talk, I will show that the assertion of the generalized Stein’s lemma is true for the setting where the convex sets are the state spaces of finite-dimensional C∗-subalgebras. I will also discuss some future problems.

No prior knowledge of quantum theory will be assumed.

This is a joint work with Li Gao.