Lie Algebraic Uncertainty Relations

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.

6 pages. Comments welcome!

Quantum Physics (quant-ph); Representation Theory (math.RT)

arXiv:2610.03661 [quant-ph]

(or arXiv:2610.03661v1 [quant-ph] for this version)

https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2610.03661 Focus to learn more arXiv-issued DOI via DataCite (pending registration)

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