We analyze form the topological perspective the space of all SLOCC (Stochastic Local Operations with Classical Communication) classes of pure states for composite quantum systems. We do it for both distinguishable and indistinguishable particles. In general, the topology of this space is rather complicated as it is a non-Hausdorff space. Using geometric invariant theory (GIT) and momentum map geometry we propose a way to divide the space of all SLOCC classes into mathematically and physically meaningful families. Each family consists of possibly many 'asymptotically' equivalent SLOCC classes. Moreover, each contains exactly one distinguished SLOCC class on which the total variance (a well defined measure of entanglement) of the state Var [v] attains maximum. We provide an algorithm for finding critical sets of Var [v], which makes use of the convexity of the momentum map and allows classification of such defined families of SLOCC classes. The number of families is in general infinite. We introduce an additional refinement into finitely many groups of families using the recent developments in the momentum map geometry known as Ness stratification. We also discuss how to define it equivalently using the convexity of the momentum map applied to SLOCC classes. Moreover, we note that the Morse index at the critical set of the total variance of state has an interpretation of number of non-SLOCC directions in which entanglement increases and calculate it for several exemplary systems. Finally, we introduce the SLOCC-invariant measure of entanglement as a square root of the total variance of state at the critical point and explain its geometric meaning.

Abstract:We present a description of entanglement in composite quantum systems in terms of symplectic geometry. We provide a symplectic characterization of sets of equally entangled states as orbits of group actions in the space of states. In particular, using the Kostant-Sternberg theorem, we show that separable states form a unique symplectic orbit, whereas orbits of entangled states are characterized by different degrees of degeneracy of the canonical symplectic form on the complex projective space. The degree of degeneracy may be thus used as a new geometric measure of entanglement. The above statements remain true for systems with an arbitrary number of components, moreover the presented method is general and can be applied also under different additional symmetry conditions stemming, e.g., from the indistinguishability of particles. We show how to calculate the degeneracy for various multiparticle systems providing also simple criteria of separability.