Some topological properties of the sets of non-negative Wigner functions

Abstract

The set of non-negative Wigner functions is a convex set which, in the finite dimensional case, is compact and equal to the convex hull of its extreme points. Thus, in finite dimensions, these particular (extreme) Wigner functions can be used to generate the entire set of non-negative Wigner functions. We show that the extreme Wigner functions can be identified by the properties of their null sets, and discuss the problem of constructing these states explicitly. As a by-product, we also elaborate on the properties of the interior and the boundary of the set of non-negative Wigner functions. Finally, if time permits, we will discuss the difficulties of extending some of these results to the infinite dimensional case.