density-matrix
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| density-matrix [June 09, 2026 at 13:41] – Ivan Janevski | density-matrix [June 13, 2026 at 03:13] (current) – external edit 127.0.0.1 | ||
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| **Density matrix** (written as $\rho$) is a matrix representation of a quantum state. | **Density matrix** (written as $\rho$) is a matrix representation of a quantum state. | ||
| - | It's a more general way to represent a quantum state compared to the [[state vector|state-vector]] $\lvert\psi\rangle$. While a state vector can only represent [[pure-state|pure states]], a density matrix can represent [[mixed-state|mixed states]] as well, making it the correct tool for open quantum systems, noisy circuits, and statistical ensembles of quantum states. | + | It's a more general way to represent a quantum state compared to the [[state-vector|state vector]] $\lvert\psi\rangle$. While a state vector can only represent [[pure-state|pure states]], a density matrix can represent [[mixed-state|mixed states]] as well, making it the correct tool for open quantum systems, noisy circuits, and statistical ensembles of quantum states. |
| Every pure state $\lvert\psi\rangle$ has a corresponding density matrix constructed by the outer product of the ket with its bra. | Every pure state $\lvert\psi\rangle$ has a corresponding density matrix constructed by the outer product of the ket with its bra. | ||
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| ## Time evolution | ## Time evolution | ||
| - | Under Hamiltonian evolution, the density matrix evolves according to the von Neumann equation $d\rho/dt = -i[H, | + | Under Hamiltonian evolution, the density matrix evolves according to the von Neumann equation $d\rho/dt = -i[H, |
density-matrix.1781012509.txt.gz · Last modified: by Ivan Janevski
