On Maximal Correlation, Hypercontractivity, and the Data Processing Inequality studied by Erkip and Cover
Abstract
In this paper we provide a new geometric characterization of the Hirschfeld-Gebelein-R\'enyi maximal correlation of a pair of random (X,Y), as well as of the chordal slope of the nontrivial boundary of the hypercontractivity ribbon of (X,Y) at infinity. The new characterizations lead to simple proofs for some of the known facts about these quantities. We also provide a counterexample to a data processing inequality claimed by Erkip and Cover, and find the correct tight constant for this kind of inequality.
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