Is Partial Trace Cyclic for Density Matrices in Quantum Systems?

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Partial trace is not cyclic, unlike the normal trace, which can be demonstrated through examples and definitions. The partial trace operates only on a specific subsystem of a larger quantum system, leading to different results when the order of matrices is swapped. A common example involves the density matrix of an entangled state, where the partial trace over one subsystem yields a reduced density matrix. The discussion seeks a proof for the equality Tr_B(ρσ) = Tr_B(σρ) for density matrices ρ and σ in a bipartite system. Understanding the non-cyclic nature of the partial trace is crucial for quantum mechanics applications.
jenga42
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Hello,

I know trace is usually cyclic, but is partial trace cyclic too? Why?

Thanks!

Jenga
 
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Ok... so I know that it isn't cyclic now ... just by picking a random example, but if anyone knows the reason why it's not cyclic, and has a general proof as to why it's not, I'd be very grateful to hear it!

Thanks.
 
What's the definition of a partial trace?
 
Normal trace is equivalent to the sum of the eigenvalues (or diagonal elements) of a matrix. Partial trace acts only on part of the system, so for a density matrix.. say it's a pure state but entangled,

\rho_{AB}=\frac{1}{2}(|01\rangle +|10\rangle )(\langle 01|+\langle 10 |)

The partial trace over subsystem B gives the reduced density matrix \rho_A, so Tr_B(\rho_{AB})=\rho_A

So

\rho_A=_B\langle 0 |\rho_{AB}|0\rangle_B +_B\langle 1 |\rho_{AB}|1\rangle_B
\rho_A=|1\rangle \langle 1 | + |0\rangle \langle 0 |

My question is how do I prove that

Tr_B (\rho \sigma) = Tr_B (\sigma \rho)

where \rho and \sigma are both density matrices of a system AB.

Thanks!
 
I am studying the mathematical formalism behind non-commutative geometry approach to quantum gravity. I was reading about Hopf algebras and their Drinfeld twist with a specific example of the Moyal-Weyl twist defined as F=exp(-iλ/2θ^(μν)∂_μ⊗∂_ν) where λ is a constant parametar and θ antisymmetric constant tensor. {∂_μ} is the basis of the tangent vector space over the underlying spacetime Now, from my understanding the enveloping algebra which appears in the definition of the Hopf algebra...

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