Multi-particle entanglement manipulation under positive partial transpose preserving operations

Abstract

We consider the transformation of multi-partite states in the single copy setting under positive-partial-transpose-preserving operations (PPT-operations) and obtain both qualitative and quantitative results. Firstly, for some pure state transformations that are impossible under local operations and classical communication (LOCC), we demonstrate that they become possible with a surprisingly large success probability under PPT-operations. Furthermore, we clarify the convertibility of arbitrary multipartite pure states under PPT-operations, and show that a drastic simplification in the classification of pure state entanglement occurs when the set of operations is switched from LOCC to PPT-operations. Indeed, the infinitely many types of LOCC-incomparable entanglement are reduced to only one type under the action of PPT-operations. This is a clear manifestation of the increased power afforded by the use of PPT-bound entanglement. In addition, we further enlarge the set of operations to clarify the effect of another type of bound entanglement, multipartite unlockable bound entanglement, and show that a further simplification occurs. As compared to pure states a more complicated situation emerges in the mixed state settings. While single copy distillation becomes possible under PPT-operations for some mixed states it remains impossible for other mixed states.