A question about reduced density matrices

In summary, we discussed the concept of ## \rho ## and a hamiltonian K on ## H_s \otimes H_E##. We also looked at the reduced density matrices ## \rho _ s ## and ## (K \rho) _ s ##. We then explored the idea of mapping an operator O to ##O_S \otimes Id_E## and proving that ## PK \rho = KP \rho## for all ##\rho## using the given link. This was based on the fact that trace and derivation commute, leading to the conclusion that ## PK \rho = KP \rho## is indeed correct.
  • #1
naima
Gold Member
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We have ## \rho ## and a hamiltonian K on ## H_s \otimes H_E##.
have we [tex] (K \rho)_S \otimes Id_E = K (\rho _S \otimes Id_E)[/tex] ?

here ## \rho _ s ## and ## (K \rho) _ s ## are the reduced density matrices.
If P maps an operator O to ##O_S \otimes Id_E##, I have to prove that
## PK \rho = KP \rho## for all ##\rho##
 
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  • #2
naima said:
If P maps an operator O to ##O_S \otimes Id_E##, I have to prove that
## PK \rho = KP \rho## for all ##\rho##
This link gave mea this idea:
##\partial_t P\rho = i[P\rho, K] = \partial_t (\rho_S \otimes Id_E)
= \partial_t \rho_S \otimes Id_E = P\partial_t \rho ## as trace and derivation commute.
## = iP[\rho, K]##
So ## PK \rho = KP \rho##
Is it correct?
 

1. How is a reduced density matrix different from a regular density matrix?

A reduced density matrix is a representation of the quantum state of a subsystem of a larger quantum system. It contains less information than a regular density matrix, which describes the state of the entire system.

2. How is a reduced density matrix calculated?

A reduced density matrix can be calculated by taking the partial trace of the regular density matrix over the degrees of freedom of the subsystem. This effectively "traces out" the information about the larger system, leaving only the information about the subsystem.

3. What is the physical significance of a reduced density matrix?

A reduced density matrix allows us to study the properties of a subsystem without needing to consider the entire system. It can also provide insight into the entanglement between the subsystem and the rest of the system.

4. Can a reduced density matrix be used to calculate observables?

Yes, a reduced density matrix can be used to calculate the expectation values of observables within the subsystem. This can be done by using the reduced density matrix to calculate the reduced density operator, which can then be used to calculate the expectation values.

5. How is a reduced density matrix related to quantum entanglement?

A reduced density matrix can reveal information about the entanglement between a subsystem and the rest of the system. If the reduced density matrix is a pure state, then the subsystem is entangled with the rest of the system. If it is a mixed state, then the subsystem is not entangled with the rest of the system.

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