Optimal distinction between non-orthogonal quantum states
Asher Peres, Daniel R Terno · Journal of Physics A Mathematical and General · 1998
Given a finite set of linearly independent quantum states, an observer who examines a single quantum system may sometimes identify its state with certainty. However, unless these quantum states are orthogonal, there is a finite probability of failure. A complete solution is given to the problem of optimal distinction of three states, having arbitrary prior probabilities and arbitrary detection values. A generalization to more than three states is outlined.