The structure of states and maps in quantum theory

Abstract

The structure of statistical state spaces in the classical and quantum theories are compared in an interesting and novel manner. Quantum state spaces and maps on them have rich convex structures arising from the superposition principle and consequent entanglement. Communication channels (physical processes) in the quantum scheme of things are in one-to-one correspondence with completely positive maps. Positive maps which are not completely positive do not correspond to physical processes. Nevertheless they prove to be invaluable mathematical tools in establishing or witnessing entanglement of mixed states. We consider some of the recent developments in our understanding of the convex structure of states and maps in quantum theory, particularly in the context of quantum information theory.