Optimal distinction between non-orthogonal quantum states
Abstract
Given a finite set of linearly independent quantum states, an observer who examines a single quantum system may sometimes identify its state with certainty. However, unless these quantum states are orthogonal, there is a finite probability of failure. A complete solution is given to the problem of optimal distinction of three states, having arbitrary prior probabilities and arbitrary detection values. A generalization to more than three states is outlined.
- Publication:
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Journal of Physics A Mathematical General
- Pub Date:
- August 1998
- DOI:
- 10.1088/0305-4470/31/34/013
- arXiv:
- arXiv:quant-ph/9804031
- Bibcode:
- 1998JPhA...31.7105P
- Keywords:
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- Quantum Physics
- E-Print:
- 9 pages LaTeX, one PostScript figure on separate page