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Applied & Computational Mathematics seminar: Approximating Quantum States by States of Low Rank

Nov 14, 2025, 1:30 - 2:30 PM

 

Speaker:  Chi-Kwong Li, William & Mary and George Mason University

Title:  Approximating Quantum States by States of Low Rank


Abstract:   Given a positive integer k, it is natural to ask for a formula for the distance between a given density matrix (i.e., mixed quantum state) and the set of density matrices of rank at most k. This problem has already been solved when ``distance'' is measured in the trace norm or Frobenius norm. We solve it for all other unitary similarity invariant norms. We also present some consequences of our formula. For example, in the trace and Frobenius norms, the density matrix that is farthest from the set of low-rank density matrices is the maximally mixed state, but this is not true in many other unitary similarity invariant norms. Related problems for future research will be mentioned.

This is joint work with Nathaniel Johnston, Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Mount Allison University, Canada. 

 

Time:  Friday, November 14, 1:30pm – 2:30pm

Place:  Exploratory Hall, room 4106 

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