The Bloch-vector space for N-level systems -- the spherical-coordinate point of view

Abstract

Bloch-vector spaces for $N$-level systems are investigated from the spherical-coordinate point of view in order to understand their geometrical aspects. We show that the maximum radius in each direction, which is due to the construction of the Bloch-vector space, is determined by the minimum eigenvalue of the corresponding observable (orthogonal generator of SU(N)). From this fact, we reveal the dual property of the structure of the Bloch-vector space; if in some direction the space reachs the large sphere (pure state), then in the opposite direction the space can only get to the small sphere, and vice versa. Another application is a parameterization with simple ranges of density operators. We also provide three classes of quantum-state representation based on actual measurements beyond the Bloch vector and discuss their state-spaces.

REVTeX4, 25 pages, 3 EPS figures, Rewritten with improved explanation; references add