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A Formalization of the Generalized Quantum Stein's Lemma in Lean

Alex Meiburg, Leonardo A. Lessa, Rodolfo R. Soldati

quant-ph Oct 9, 2025 · v1
Formalizes the Generalized Quantum Stein's Lemma in Lean, extending a Lean-QuantumInfo library across topology, analysis, and operator algebra.
The Generalized Quantum Stein's Lemma is a theorem in quantum hypothesis testing that provides an operational meaning to the relative entropy within the context of quantum resource theories. Its original proof was found to have a gap, which led to a search for a corrected proof. We formalize the proof presented in [Hayashi and Yamasaki (2024)] in the Lean interactive theorem prover. This is the most technically demanding theorem in physics with a computer-verified proof to date, building with a variety of intermediate results from topology, analysis, and operator algebra. In the process, we rectified minor imprecisions in [HY24]'s proof that formalization forces us to confront, and refine a more precise definition of quantum resource theory. Formalizing this theorem has ensured that our Lean-QuantumInfo library, which otherwise has begun to encompass a variety of topics from quantum information, includes a robust foundation suitable for a larger collaborative program of formalizing quantum theory more broadly.

The Generalized Quantum Stein Lemma, which gives operational meaning to relative entropy in quantum resource theories, had a gap in its original proof. A corrected proof exists but has not been formally verified.

The authors formalize the corrected proof from Hayashi and Yamasaki (2024) in Lean, building intermediate results from topology, analysis, and operator algebra within their Lean-QuantumInfo library. Formalization forced them to confront and rectify minor imprecisions in the published proof and refine the definition of quantum resource theory.

This is described as the most technically demanding theorem in physics with a computer-verified proof to date. The formalization ensures the Lean-QuantumInfo library has a robust foundation for a broader collaborative program of formalizing quantum theory.