Catalytic channels are the only noise-robust catalytic processes

TL;DR

This paper investigates the limitations and possibilities of robust catalytic processes in quantum resource theories, revealing fundamental constraints and specific scenarios where catalytic advantage can be maximized.

Contribution

It introduces the concept of robust catalysis, establishes a no-go theorem for many theories, and identifies thermodynamical cases with maximal catalytic advantage.

Findings

Robust catalysis is linked to resource broadcasting.

No-go theorem shows limitations in many quantum resource theories.

Certain thermodynamical scenarios allow maximal catalytic advantage.

Abstract

Catalysis refers to the possibility of enabling otherwise inaccessible quantum state transitions by supplying an auxiliary system, provided that the auxiliary is returned to its initial state at the end of the protocol. We show that previous studies on catalysis are largely impractical, because even small errors in the system's initial state can irreversibly degrade the catalyst. To overcome this limitation, we introduce robust catalytic transformations and explore the fundamental extent of their capabilities. We demonstrate that robust catalysis is closely tied to the property of resource broadcasting. In particular, in completely resource non-generating theories, robust catalysis is possible if and only if resource broadcasting is possible. We develop a no-go theorem under a set of general axioms, demonstrating that robust catalysis is unattainable for a broad class of quantum resource theories. However, surprisingly, we also identify thermodynamical scenarios where maximal robust catalytic advantage can be achieved. Our approach clarifies the practical prospects of catalytic advantage for a wide range of quantum resources, including entanglement, coherence, thermodynamics, magic, and imaginarity.