Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 3, 2026

A Photonic System for Generating Unconditional Polarization-Entangled Photons Based on Multiple Quantum Interference
Published on: September 5, 2019
Some calculable contributions to entanglement entropy.
Mark P Hertzberg1, Frank Wilczek
1Center for Theoretical Physics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA. mphertz@mit.edu
Researchers developed a method to calculate finite contributions to entanglement entropy in quantum systems. This approach considers parametric dependence on correlation length, yielding measurable results for scalar fields in various spatial domains and waveguides.
Area of Science:
- Quantum Information Theory
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Quantum Field Theory
Background:
- Entanglement entropy is crucial in quantum systems but often incalculable due to sensitivity to unknown microphysics.
- Existing methods struggle to provide precise, finite values for entanglement entropy in complex geometries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a method for extracting finite, calculable contributions to entanglement entropy.
- To analyze the dependence of entanglement entropy on correlation length for scalar fields.
- To investigate contributions in arbitrary spatial domains and waveguide geometries.
Main Methods:
- Parametric dependence on correlation length was analyzed.
- Entanglement entropy was calculated for a scalar field between interior and exterior regions.
- Contributions in 3+1 dimensional waveguides were extracted, considering geometric properties.
Main Results:
- A leading term proportional to the boundary area was identified.
- Finite subleading contributions related to waveguide cross-sectional geometry (area, perimeter, curvature) were extracted.
- The method provides calculable contributions to entanglement entropy.
Conclusions:
- Finite, calculable contributions to entanglement entropy can be extracted by considering correlation length dependence.
- The extracted terms offer insights into the geometric dependence of entanglement entropy.
- These contributions may be measurable in specific physical systems, particularly at criticality.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
The Entropy as a State Function
Entropy
Entropy
When an ideal gas expands isothermally, the disorder in the gas increases. From the molecular perspective, the gas molecules have more volume to move around in.
Consider an infinitesimal step in the expansion, which...
Entropy and the Second Law of Thermodynamics
The relation between entropy and disorder can be illustrated with the example of the phase change of ice to water. In ice, the molecules are located at specific sites giving a solid state, whereas, in a liquid form, these molecules are much freer to move. The molecular arrangement has therefore become more randomized. Although the change in average...
Entropy and the Second Law of Thermodynamics
Absolute Entropies and the Third Law of Thermodynamics

