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arXiv · 2610.03661

Lie Algebraic Uncertainty Relations

Xiaoli Hu·Naihuan Jing·Jian Zhang·Yunlong Xiao
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Abstract

Uncertainty relations express the fundamental incompatibility of quantum observables, yet optimal state-independent bounds are known analytically in only a few cases. Here we introduce a covariance-based formulation of quantum uncertainty that yields an infinite family of relations for both Hermitian observables and non-Hermitian operators. For operators forming a basis of a Lie algebra, we derive the optimal bound in closed form from the algebra and its representation, replacing optimization over quantum states with a direct algebraic calculation. Within each weight space, uncertainty takes a fixed value, turning the inequality into a conservation law. These results show how commutation relations and their realization on a quantum state jointly determine the minimum quantum uncertainty associated with incompatible operators. By connecting uncertainty to symmetry and representation theory, the framework offers a route to uncovering intrinsic limits on quantum information processing through its underlying Lie algebra.

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Xiaoli Hu, Naihuan Jing, Jian Zhang, Yunlong Xiao. 2026-10-02. Lie Algebraic Uncertainty Relations. https://arxiv.org/abs/2610.03661

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