Orthogonality And Distinguishability: Criterion For Local Distinguishability of Arbitrary Orthogonal States

We consider deeply the relation between the orthogonality and the distinguishability of a set of arbitrary states (including multi-partite states). It is shown that if a set of arbitrary states can be distinguished by local operations and classical communication (LOCC), each of the states can be written as a linear combination of product vectors such that all product vectors of one of the states are orthogonal to the other states. With this result we then prove a simple necessary condition for LOCC distinguishability of a class of orthogonal states. These conclusions may be useful in discussing the distinguishability of orthogonal quantum states further, understanding the essence of nonlocality and discussing the distillation of entanglement. PACS number(s): 89.70.+c, 03.65.ud