English

Mutually Unbiased Bases in Composite Dimensions -- A Review

Quantum Physics 2026-04-09 v2

Abstract

Maximal sets of mutually unbiased bases are useful throughout quantum physics, both in a foundational context and for applications. To date, it remains unknown if complete sets of mutually unbiased bases exist in Hilbert spaces of dimensions different from a prime power, i.e. in composite dimensions such as six or ten. Fourteen mathematically equivalent formulations of the existence problem are presented. We comprehensively summarise analytic, computer-aided and numerical results relevant to the case of composite dimensions. Known modifications of the existence problem are reviewed and potential solution strategies are outlined.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.2410.23997,
  title  = {Mutually Unbiased Bases in Composite Dimensions -- A Review},
  author = {Daniel McNulty and Stefan Weigert},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2410.23997},
  year   = {2026}
}

Comments

104 pages, 1 figure, 3 tables

R2 v1 2026-06-28T19:42:59.298Z