How reduced density matrix obtained from the matrix.

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the process of obtaining reduced density matrices from a given density matrix in a bipartite quantum system. Participants explore the mathematical formulation and the implications of tracing over subsystems A and B, with a focus on the correct notation and interpretation of indices.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Post 1 presents a specific density matrix and asks how to derive the reduced density matrices for subsystems A and B.
  • Post 2 and Post 3 provide a general formula for obtaining reduced density matrices from a composite density matrix, emphasizing the need for clarity in index notation.
  • Post 4 and Post 5 confirm that the correct notation for the reduced density matrix involves summing over specific indices, with Post 5 reiterating the correctness of the first notation.
  • Post 6 requests an example to clarify the explanation provided by another participant.
  • Post 7 emphasizes the importance of context and definitions in understanding the matrix, suggesting that without additional information, the discussion lacks clarity.
  • Post 8 elaborates on the structure of the density matrix, explaining how to trace over indices to form reduced matrices, while also noting the need for clear identification of indices in the original matrix.
  • Post 9 indicates that one participant has gained understanding from the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no clear consensus on the interpretation of the original density matrix due to the lack of context provided. Participants agree on the correct notation for reduced density matrices but differ in their understanding of the original matrix's structure and the implications of its indices.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations in the clarity of the original matrix's index structure, which affects the ability to derive reduced density matrices. Participants express uncertainty regarding the specific definitions and context that should accompany the matrix.

munirah
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Can any expert help me in explaining how this example below get the reduced density matrix from the density matrix in bipartite system.
$$\rho =\frac{1}{4}\begin{pmatrix} 1 & 1 & cos(\frac{\alpha}{2})-sin(\frac{\alpha}{2}) & cos(\frac{\alpha}{2})+sin(\frac{\alpha}{2}) \\ 1 & 1 & cos(\frac{\alpha}{2})-sin(\frac{\alpha}{2}) & cos(\frac{\alpha}{2})+sin(\frac{\alpha}{2}) \\ cos(\frac{\alpha}{2})-sin(\frac{\alpha}{2}) & cos(\frac{\alpha}{2})-sin(\frac{\alpha}{2}) & 1-sin(\frac{\alpha}{2}) & cos(\frac{\alpha}{4}) \\ cos(\frac{\alpha}{2})+sin(\frac{\alpha}{2}) & cos(\frac{\alpha}{2})+sin(\frac{\alpha}{2}) & cos(\frac{\alpha}{4}) & 1+sin(\alpha)\end{pmatrix}$$

For the subsystems, this yields, as below.

$$\rho_\text{A}=Tr_\text{B}(\rho)=\frac{1}{2}\begin{pmatrix}1 & cos(\frac{\alpha}{2}) \\ cos(\frac{\alpha}{2}) & 1\end{pmatrix}$$

and

$$\rho_\text{B}=Tr_\text{A}(\rho)=\frac{1}{2}\begin{pmatrix}1-\frac{1}{2}sin(\alpha) & cos^2(\frac{\alpha}{2}) \\ cos^2(\frac{\alpha}{2}) & 1+\frac{1}{2}sin(\alpha)\end{pmatrix}$$

How the reduced to each system A and B obtained?
 
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If you have a composite density of the form

[itex]\rho_{i j a b}[/itex]

where [itex]i, j[/itex] refer to a basis for system A and [itex]a, b[/itex] refer to a basis for system B, then

[itex](\rho_A)_{i j} = \sum_a \rho_{i j a a}[/itex]

[itex](\rho_B)_{a b} = \sum_i \rho_{i i a b}[/itex]

Your 4x4 matrix doesn't clearly indicate which indices are for [itex]A[/itex] and which are for [itex]B[/itex], but I assume you're doing something like:
  1. The element with row=1, column=1 corresponds to [itex]i=1, j=1, a=1, b=1[/itex]
  2. The element with row=1, column=2 corresponds to [itex]i=1, j=1, a=2, b=1[/itex]
  3. The element with row=2, column=1 corresponds to [itex]i=1, j=1, a=1, b=2[/itex]
  4. The element with row=2, column=2 corresponds to [itex]i=1, j=1, a=2, b=2[/itex]
  5. The element with row=1, column=3 corresponds to [itex]i=2, j=1, a=1, b=1[/itex]
  6. The element with row=1, column=4 corresponds to [itex]i=2, j=1, a=2, b=1[/itex]
  7. The element with row=2, column=3 corresponds to [itex]i=2, j=1, a=1, b=2[/itex]
  8. The element with row=2, column=4 corresponds to [itex]i=2, j=1, a=2, b=2[/itex]
  9. etc.
(or something like that)
 
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stevendaryl said:
If you have a composite density of the form

[itex]\rho_{i j a b}[/itex]

where [itex]i, j[/itex] refer to a basis for system A and [itex]a, b[/itex] refer to a basis for system B, then

[itex](\rho_A)_{i j} = \sum_a \rho_{i j a a}[/itex]

[itex](\rho_B)_{a b} = \sum_i \rho_{i i a b}[/itex]

Your 4x4 matrix doesn't clearly indicate which indices are for [itex]A[/itex] and which are for [itex]B[/itex], but I assume you're doing something like:
  1. The element with row=1, column=1 corresponds to [itex]i=1, j=1, a=1, b=1[/itex]
  2. The element with row=1, column=2 corresponds to [itex]i=1, j=1, a=2, b=1[/itex]
  3. The element with row=2, column=1 corresponds to [itex]i=1, j=1, a=1, b=2[/itex]
  4. The element with row=2, column=2 corresponds to [itex]i=1, j=1, a=2, b=2[/itex]
  5. The element with row=1, column=3 corresponds to [itex]i=2, j=1, a=1, b=1[/itex]
  6. The element with row=1, column=4 corresponds to [itex]i=2, j=1, a=2, b=1[/itex]
  7. The element with row=2, column=3 corresponds to [itex]i=2, j=1, a=1, b=2[/itex]
  8. The element with row=2, column=4 corresponds to [itex]i=2, j=1, a=2, b=2[/itex]
  9. etc.
(or something like that)
thankyou for helping me. really appreciate.
Sorry, I want to ask more either the notation for
[itex](\rho_A)_{i j} = \sum_a \rho_{i j a a}[/itex]

or

[itex](\rho_A)_{i j} = \sum_a \rho_{i j a b}[/itex] ?

Thank you very much
 
munirah said:
thankyou for helping me. really appreciate.
Sorry, I want to ask more either the notation for
[itex](\rho_A)_{i j} = \sum_a \rho_{i j a a}[/itex]

or

[itex](\rho_A)_{i j} = \sum_a \rho_{i j a b}[/itex] ?

Thank you very much

The first one is correct. That's sort of obvious, because the second one has a free index, [itex]b[/itex] on the right-hand side, but not on the left-hand-side.
 
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stevendaryl said:
The first one is correct. That's sort of obvious, because the second one has a free index, [itex]b[/itex] on the right-hand side, but not on the left-hand-side.
tqvm stevendaryl for your respon
 
stevendaryl, can you give me the example according what you explain. I already try to understand. please
 
You have to give the context. There's no way to guess from just throwing a matrix in the discussion what it means! There must be a clear definition in the textbook/problem sheet given. Otherwise it's just useless!
 
munirah said:
stevendaryl, can you give me the example according what you explain. I already try to understand. please

I don't understand what it is that you don't understand. The density matrix for a two-component system has 4 indices: two for the first component, and two for the second component. To form the reduced matrix for one component, you "trace" over the indices for the other component. A trace means setting the two indices to the same value and summing over all possibilities.

Your original matrix doesn't clearly identify those 4 indices, so it's not possible to form the reduced matrix without additional information. That was probably present, if you saw the problem in a textbook.

From your 16-element matrix, what I'm assuming the components of [itex]\rho_{ijab}[/itex] are:
  1. [itex]\rho_{1111} = \frac{1}{4}[/itex]
  2. [itex]\rho_{1112} = \frac{1}{4}[/itex]
  3. [itex]\rho_{1121} = \frac{1}{4}[/itex]
  4. [itex]\rho_{1122} = \frac{1}{4}[/itex]
  5. [itex]\rho_{1211} = \frac{1}{4}(cos(\frac{\alpha}{2}) - sin(\frac{\alpha}{2}))[/itex]
  6. [itex]\rho_{1212} = \frac{1}{4}(cos(\frac{\alpha}{2}) + sin(\frac{\alpha}{2}))[/itex]
  7. [itex]\rho_{1221} = \frac{1}{4}(cos(\frac{\alpha}{2}) - sin(\frac{\alpha}{2}))[/itex]
  8. [itex]\rho_{1222} = \frac{1}{4}(cos(\frac{\alpha}{2}) + sin(\frac{\alpha}{2}))[/itex]
Etc.

So
[itex](\rho_A)_{ij} = \rho_{ij11} + \rho_{ij22}[/itex]
[itex](\rho_B)_{ab} = \rho_{11ab} + \rho_{22ab}[/itex]
 
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tqvm stevendaryl. I understand now
 

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