Understanding Choi's Theorem and Notation in Matrix Theory

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the interpretation of Choi's theorem and its notation in matrix theory, particularly focusing on the definitions and implications of the matrices involved, such as ##E_{ij}## and the tensor product ##M_n(M_m)##. Participants explore the nature of these matrices, their dimensions, and the mathematical constructs presented in Choi's work.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants clarify that ##E_{ij}## is defined as an n x n null matrix with a single "1" at position (i,j).
  • Others propose that the notation ##(E_{ij})_{1<=i,j <=n}## may indicate a matrix of matrices or a different structure, with some suggesting it could represent an all-one matrix or a standard basis vector.
  • There is a challenge regarding whether the second notation represents an n^2 x n^2 matrix filled with n^2 "1"s, with some expressing skepticism about this interpretation.
  • Some participants express discomfort with the proof of Choi's theorem and discuss the implications of the tensor product ##M_n(M_m)##, noting that it involves n x n block matrices with m x m matrices as entries.
  • There is a suggestion that the arrangement of ##(E_{i,j})_{i,j}## could be a tensor product or a structured array of matrices, though some participants have not encountered such a construction before.
  • Participants mention the notation used by Rui Li and express uncertainty about its consistency and clarity, particularly regarding the generalized or partial trace.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the interpretation of the notation and the structure of the matrices involved. Multiple competing views remain regarding the definitions and implications of Choi's theorem and its notation.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note limitations in their understanding of the notation and the mathematical constructs, indicating that certain assumptions or definitions may not be universally recognized or agreed upon.

naima
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I am reading the proof of the Choi's theorem in his own paper.
he first introduces ##E_{ij} ## as the nn null matrix but with a 1 at i,j.
Then he uses ##(E_{ij})_{1<=i,j <=n}##
he says that thi is a positive matrix. What is talking about?
Is it a matrix of matrices?
 
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I think the notation means that 1<=i<=n and 1<=j<=n ie for an n x n matrix the i and j indices can have integer values between 1 and n.
 
naima said:
I am reading the proof of the Choi's theorem in his own paper.
he first introduces ##E_{ij} ## as the nn null matrix but with a 1 at i,j.
Then he uses ##(E_{ij})_{1<=i,j <=n}##
he says that thi is a positive matrix. What is talking about?
Is it a matrix of matrices?
I read this as ##E_{kl} = (\delta_{ki}\delta_{jl})_{i,j}## and ##(E_{ij})_{1<=i,j <=n}## as either an all one matrix or more likely the same as ##E_{ij}## with only the ranges of ##i## and ##j## added, as he considers non square matrices as well. A standard basis vector if you like.
 
There is no problem with the first definition. it is a n*n matrix with one "1".
Do you agree that the second is a n^2 * n^2 with n^2 "1".in it?
 
naima said:
Do you agree that the second is a n^2 * n^2 with n^2 "1".in it?
This would really surprise me. I think it is more like an ill-fated version of ##A=(a_{ij})_{1≤i≤n,1≤j≤n}##. However, I wouldn't bet on it.
What could be a reason to arrange the ##E_{ij}## like this, as a matrix of matrices?
 
I do not feel comfortable with the proof of the Choi's theorem.
But read the top of page 2. we have ##M_n(M_m)## which is a tensor product.
Choi says that this space contains
"n X n block matrices with m x m matrices as entries"
 
naima said:
I do not feel comfortable with the proof of the Choi's theorem.
But read the top of page 2. we have ##M_n(M_m)## which is a tensor product.
Choi says that this space contains
"n X n block matrices with m x m matrices as entries"
Yes, tensors can viewed this way:
## c \otimes d = cd## with scalars ##c,d## is a scalar.
##c \otimes v## with ##c## a scalar and ##v## a vector is a vector.
##v \otimes w## with ##v,w## vectors is a matrix (of rank 1).
##v \otimes A## with a vector ##v## and a matrix ##A## is a stack of weighted copies of ##A##.
##A \otimes B## with matrices ##A,B## are a four-dimensional array of coordinates.
... and so on ...
The rest of tensor spaces are linear combinations of those.

It may be right that ##(E_{i,j})_{i,j}## is a tensor product or otherwise arranged array of matrices. I don't want to rule it out. I simply haven't seen a construction like this noted in coordinates. It would be a linear function of linear functions, and all in coordinates.
 
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In this http://isites.harvard.edu/fs/docs/icb.topic1533461.files/Chois%20Theorem-Bill.pdf
 
naima said:
In this http://isites.harvard.edu/fs/docs/icb.topic1533461.files/Chois%20Theorem-Bill.pdf
I don't know whether it is always like that. Rui Li's notations are new to me. E.g. I see ##A\otimes B## as a four-dimensional array, but this can't be put on paper. So he writes ##A \otimes B = (A_{ij}B)_{ij}##. This makes certainly sense though.
But I haven't heard of a generalized or partial trace as in ##A.3##. However, I'm not a physicist and a little bit allergic to coordinates, because they often hide the principle behind. And furthermore: it isn't important whether it is always the case or not, because Rui Li defines his notations and is consistent.
 

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