Nilpotent polynomials approach to four-qubit entanglement

Abstract

We apply the general formalism of nilpotent polynomials [Mandilara et al, Phys. Rev. A 74, 022331 (2006)] to the problem of pure-state multipartite entanglement classification in four qubits. In addition to establishing contact with existing results, we explicitly show how the nilpotent formalism naturally suggests constructions of entanglement measures invariant under the required unitary or invertible class of local operations. A candidate measure of fourpartite entanglement is also suggested, and its behavior numerically tested on random pure states.