Non-monogamy of quantum discord and upper bounds for quantum correlation

Abstract

We consider a monogamy inequality of quantum discord in a pure tripartite state and show that it is equivalent to an inequality between quantum mutual information and entanglement of formation of two parties. Since this inequality does not hold for arbitrary bipartite states, quantum discord can generally be both monogamous and polygamous. We also carry out numerical calculations for some special states. The upper bounds of quantum discord and classical correlation are also discussed and we give physical analysis on the invalidness of a previous conjectured upper bound of quantum correlation. Our results provide new insights for further understanding of distributions of quantum correlations.