Submodularity of entropy under quantum convolution

Abstract:We develop a submodular framework for the von Neumann entropy of discrete quantum convolutions, providing a noncommutative counterpart to the direct side of entropic additive combinatorics. We first introduce globally weighted quantum convolutions, which form compatible families indexed by admissible subsets of a fixed collection of inputs. Our main theorem reveals a polymatroidal geometry underlying their entropy growth: relative to any fixed admissible input block, the entropy gains admit a normalized, monotone, submodular extension to all subsets of the remaining inputs. The theorem yields convolutional strong subadditivity, quantum Ruzsa triangle inequality, and quantum entropic Plünnecke--Ruzsa inequalities for arbitrary input states. For repeated inputs, it gives sharp comparisons of entropy growth across admissible scales; in particular, the quantum doubling constant controls all higher admissible convolution entropies with optimal exponents. Together, these results bring submodular methods from additive combinatorics into the quantum setting and provide a systematic route to broad families of convolutional entropy inequalities.

Quantum Physics (quant-ph); Information Theory (cs.IT); Combinatorics (math.CO)

arXiv:2609.40211 [quant-ph]

(or arXiv:2609.40211v1 [quant-ph] for this version)

https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2609.40211 Focus to learn more arXiv-issued DOI via DataCite (pending registration)

arXivLabs is a framework that allows collaborators to develop and share new arXiv features directly on our website.

Both individuals and organizations that work with arXivLabs have embraced and accepted our values of openness, community, excellence, and user data privacy. arXiv is committed to these values and only works with partners that adhere to them.

Have an idea for a project that will add value for arXiv's community? Learn more about arXivLabs.