Relative entropy for von Neumann subalgebras

Abstract

We revisit the connection between index and relative entropy for an inclusion of finite von Neumann algebras. We observe that the Pimsner-Popa index connects to sandwiched Renyi $p$-relative entropy for all $1/2\le p\le \infty$, including Umegaki's relative entropy at $p=1$. Based on that, we introduce a new notation of relative entropy to a subalgebra which generalizes subfactors index. This relative entropy has application in estimating decoherence time of quantum Markov semigroups.