Strong Variance-Based Uncertainty Relations and Uncertainty Intervals

Yunlong Xiao, Naihuan Jing, Bing Yu, Shao-Ming Fei, and Xianqing Li-Jost

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Submission date: 15. Feb. 2017
Pages: 8
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Abstract:
Uncertainty relations occupy a fundamental position in quantum mechanics. We propose stronger variance-based uncertainty relations for the product and sum of variances of two incompatible observables in a finite dimensional Hilbert space. It is shown that the new uncertainty relations provide near-optimal state-dependent bounds, which can be useful for quantum metrology, entanglement detection etc. in quantum information theory. It is further shown that the uncertainty relations are related to the ``spreads'' of the distribution of measurement outcomes caused by incompatible observables. Intuitively, this means that the ability of learning the distribution has both the upper and lower bounds. Combination of these bounds provides naturally an uncertainty interval which captures the essence of uncertainty in quantum theory. Finally, we explain how to employ entropic uncertainty relations to derive lower bounds for the product of variances of incompatible observables.