Semidefinite Programming in Quantum Information Science

Abstract: Semidefinite programs (SDPs) are a class of optimisation problems that find application in numerous areas of physics, engineering and mathematics. Semidefinite programming is particularly suited to problems in quantum physics and quantum information science. Following a review of the theory of semidefinite programming, the book proceeds to describe how it can be used to address a wide range of important problems from across quantum information science. Specific applications include quantum state, measurement, and channel estimation and discrimination, entanglement detection and quantification, quantum distance measures, and measurement incompatibility. Though SDPs have become an increasingly important tool in quantum information science it's not yet the kind of mathematics students learn routinely. Assuming only a basic knowledge of linear algebra and quantum physics and quantum information, this graduate-level book provides a unified and accessible presentation of one of the key numerical methods used in quantum information science.