Determining eigenvalues of a density matrix with minimal information in a single experimental setting

Abstract

Eigenvalues of a density matrix characterize well the quantum state's properties, such as coherence and entanglement. We propose a simple method to determine all the eigenvalues of an unknown density matrix of a finite-dimensional system in a single experimental setting. Without fully reconstructing a quantum state, eigenvalues are determined with the minimal number of parameters obtained by a measurement of a single observable. Moreover, its implementation is illustrated in linear optical and superconducting systems.