Impossibility of Distinguishing Two Preparations for a Pure State from No-signaling

Abstract

A pure state of a physical system can be prepared in an infinite number of ways. Quantum theory dictates that given a pure state of a physical system it is impossible to distinguish two preparation procedures. Here, we show that the impossibility of distinguishing two preparation procedures for the same pure state follows from the no-signaling principle. Extending this result for a pure bipartite entangled state entails that the impossibility of distinguishing two preparation procedures for a mixed state follows from the impossibility of distinguishing two preparations for a pure bipartite state.

Quanta 2020; 9: 16–21.