Negative Entropy and Information in Quantum Mechanics

N. J. Cerf and C. Adami
Phys. Rev. Lett. 79, 5194 – Published 29 December 1997
PDFExport Citation

Abstract

A framework for a quantum mechanical information theory is introduced that is based entirely on density operators, and gives rise to a unified description of classical correlation and quantum entanglement. Unlike in classical (Shannon) information theory, quantum (von Neumann) conditional entropies can be negative when considering quantum entangled systems, a fact related to quantum nonseparability. The possibility that negative (virtual) information can be carried by entangled particles suggests a consistent interpretation of quantum informational processes.

  • Received 29 January 1997

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.79.5194

©1997 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

N. J. Cerf1 and C. Adami1,2

  • 1W. K. Kellogg Radiation Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125
  • 2Computation and Neural Systems, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125

References (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand
Issue

Vol. 79, Iss. 26 — 29 December 1997

Reuse & Permissions
Access Options
Author publication services for translation and copyediting assistance advertisement

Authorization Required


×
×

Images

×

Sign up to receive regular email alerts from Physical Review Letters

Log In

Cancel
×

Search


Article Lookup

Paste a citation or DOI

Enter a citation
×