On the quantum discord of general X states

Original · EN

Quantum discord Q is a function of density matrix elements. The domain of such a function in the case of two-qubit system with X density matrix may consist of three subdomains at most: two ones where the quantum discord is expressed in closed analytical forms (Qπ/₂ and Q₀) and an intermediate subdomain for which, to extract the quantum discord Qθ, it is required to solve in general numerically a one-dimensional minimization problem to find the optimal measurement angle θ∈(0,π/2). Hence the quantum discord is given by a piecewise-analytic-numerical formula Q=Qπ/₂, Qθ, Q₀. Equations for determining the boundaries between these subdomains are obtained. The boundaries consist of bifurcation points. The Qθ subdomains are discovered in the generalized Horodecki states, in the dynamical phase flip channel model, in the anisotropic spin systems at thermal equilibrium, in the heteronuclear dimers in an external magnetic field. We found that transitions between Qθ subdomain and Qπ/₂ and Q₀ ones occur suddenly but continuously and smoothly, i.e., nonanalyticity is hidden and can be observed in higher derivatives of discord function.