An Exponential Mixing Condition for Quantum Channels

Abstract: Quantum channels, pivotal in information processing, describe transformations within quantum systems and enable secure communication and error correction. Ergodic and mixing properties elucidate their behavior. In this paper, we establish a sufficient condition for mixing based on a quantum Markov-Dobrushin inequality. We prove that if the Markov-Dobrushin constant of a quantum channel exceeds zero, it exhibits exponential mixing behavior. We explore limitations of some quantum channels, demonstrating that unistochastic channels are not mixing. Additionally, we analyze ergodicity of a class of mixed-unitary channels associated with finite groups of unitary operators. Finally, we apply our results to the qubit depolarizing channel.