Single-qubit measurement of two-qubit entanglement in generalized Werner states

Abstract

Conventional methods of measuring entanglement in a two-qubit photonic mixed state require detection of both qubits. We generalize a recently introduced method which does not require detection of both qubits, by extending it to cover a wider class of entangled states. Specifically, we present a detailed theory that shows how to measure entanglement in a family of two-qubit mixed states, obtained by generalizing Werner states, without detecting one of the qubits. Our method is interferometric and does not require any coincidence measurement or postselection. We also perform a quantitative analysis of anticipated experimental imperfections. We show that the method is resistant to a decrease in the interference visibility resulting from such imperfections.