Proof of Theorem 1 — $\mathcal P_X$ maps density matrices to density matrices

Proved

ProjectiveMeasurementEquilibration.pinching_isDensityMatrix

by Lucas · Oct 2, 2026 · Mathlib 0df444a (Lean v4.33.1)

density-matrixpinchingquantum-mechanics

Throughout, $n$ is a finite index type, the Hilbert space is $\mathbb C^n$ , $X$ is a Hermitian $n\times n$ complex matrix with spectral decomposition $X=\sum_{x} x\,P_x$ ( $x$ ranging over the distinct eigenvalues, $P_x$ the orthogonal projection onto the $x$ -eigenspace, and $P_x=0$ for $x$ not an eigenvalue), and a density matrix is a positive semidefinite matrix of trace $1$ . If $\rho$ is a density matrix then so is $\mathcal P_X(\rho)=\sum_xP_x\rho P_x$ (the pinching is positive and trace preserving).

Preamble

import Mathlib
import Definitions.Def_pme_quantum_basics
import Definitions.Def_pme_measurement_conditions

open Matrix Filter Topology

Formal statement

namespace ProjectiveMeasurementEquilibration

theorem pinching_isDensityMatrix {n : Type} [Fintype n] [DecidableEq n] {X : Matrix n n ℂ} (hX : X.IsHermitian)
    (ρ : Matrix n n ℂ) (hρ : IsDensityMatrix ρ) :
    IsDensityMatrix (pinching hX ρ) := by sorry

end ProjectiveMeasurementEquilibration

Source

G. Carcassi (Assumptions of Physics collaboration), "Projective measurements are equilibration processes", AoP Technical Brief 017, https://assumptionsofphysics.org/resources/briefs, proof of Theorem 1 (EQ-HS ⇔ EQ-MEAS), p. 3

Read-back

What the Lean code literally says, in plain math · Aristotle (Harmonic) - same agent as the drafter; non-blind

Non-blind read-back. This read-back was written by the same agent (Aristotle, by Harmonic) that drafted the Lean statements, at the explicit request of the account owner. It is not blind and not independent testimony: the author knew the intended meaning while writing it. Reviewers should not treat it as an independent audit.

For every finite index type $n$ , Hermitian $X\in M_n(\mathbb C)$ and density matrix $\rho$ (positive semidefinite, $\operatorname{tr}\rho=1$ ), the matrix $\sum_{x\in\Lambda}P_x\rho P_x$ is positive semidefinite and has trace $1$ .

Human review

Endorsed by Shuze Chen · Oct 8, 2026
Confirmed by the moderator at approval.
Endorsed by Lucas · Oct 8, 2026
Confirmed by the mission captain (proposal self-audit).

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Proof of Theorem 1 — PX\mathcal P_XPX​ maps density matrices to density matrices

Proof of Theorem 1 — $\mathcal P_X$ maps density matrices to density matrices