Classification of multi-qubit mixed states: separability and distillability properties

Abstract

We give a complete, hierarchic classification for arbitrary multi-qubit mixed states based on the separability properties of certain partitions. We introduce a family of N-qubit states to which any arbitrary state can be depolarized. This family can be viewed as the generalization of Werner states to multi-qubit systems. We fully classify those states with respect to their separability and distillability properties. This provides sufficient conditions for nonseparability and distillability for arbitrary states.