Skip to main content
6 of 6
edited tags
John Rennie
  • 362.6k
  • 132
  • 780
  • 1.1k

What is the Reduced Density Matrix?

The difference between pure and mixed states is the difference in their density matrix structure.

For density matrix $\rho$ of mixed state the trace of $\rho^{2}$ should be less than 1. For pure state corresponding trace $Tr(\rho^{2}) = 1$.

But when I tried to check the Bell two-qubit state, i got: $$ \rho = \frac{1}{2}\begin{pmatrix} 1 & 0 & 0 & 1 \\ 0 & 0 & 0 & 0 \\ 0 & 0 & 0 & 0 \\ 1 & 0 & 0 & 1\end{pmatrix}$$ $$ \rho^{2} = \frac{1}{4}\begin{pmatrix} 2 & 0 & 0 & 2 \\ 0 & 0 & 0 & 0 \\ 0 & 0 & 0 & 0 \\ 2 & 0 & 0 & 2 \end{pmatrix}$$ Trace of which is equal to 1. As I understand, reduced density matrix is the right describing of bell states. But my matrix is not reduced. Can you explain me how to find reduced matrix of bell state?

user_user
  • 195
  • 1
  • 1
  • 7