Non-Gaussian quantum discord for Gaussian states

TL;DR

This paper investigates whether non-Gaussian measurements can better quantify quantum discord in Gaussian states, finding that Gaussian measurements are optimal for the classes studied.

Contribution

It compares Gaussian and non-Gaussian measurements for quantum discord in two-mode Gaussian states, demonstrating the optimality of Gaussian measurements.

Findings

Gaussian measurements are optimal for the states studied

Non-Gaussian measurements do not improve quantum discord minimization

Results are relevant for continuous variable quantum information

Abstract

In recent years the paradigm based on entanglement as the unique measure of quantum correlations has been challenged by the rise of new correlation concepts, such as quantum discord, able to reveal quantum correlations that are present in separable states. It is in general difficult to compute quantum discord, because it involves a minimization over all possible local measurements in a bipartition. In the realm of continuous variable (CV) systems, a Gaussian version of quantum discord has been put forward upon restricting to Gaussian measurements. It is natural to ask whether non-Gaussian measurements can lead to a stronger minimization than Gaussian ones. Here we focus on two relevant classes of two-mode Gaussian states: squeezed thermal states (STS) and mixed thermal states (MTS), and allow for a range of experimentally feasible non-Gaussian measurements, comparing the results with the case of Gaussian measurements. We provide evidence that Gaussian measurements are optimal for Gaussian states.