In quantum information theory, quantum state merging is the transfer of a quantum state when the receiver already has part of the state. The process optimally transfers partial information using entanglement and classical communication. It allows for sending information using an amount of entanglement given by the conditional quantum entropy, formula_1 with formula_2 the Von Neumann entropy, formula_3. It thus provides an operational meaning to this quantity.
Unlike its classical counterpart, the quantum conditional entropy can be negative. In this case, the sender can transfer the state to the receiver using no entanglement, and as an added bonus, this amount of entanglement can be gained, rather than used. Thus quantum information can be negative.
The amount of classical information needed is the mutual information formula_4. The case where the classical communication is replaced by quantum communication was considered in. This is known as the Fully Quantum Slepian-Wolf Theorem, since everything is sent down the quantum channel. A single-shot version of state merging was found by Berta, and a multiparty single shot version was found in. The quantum discord has been interpreted using state merging.
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