Abstract

An iterative algorithm for state determination, that uses as physical input the probability distributions for the eigenvalues of two or more observables in an unknown state Phi is presented. Starting from an arbitrary state Psi(0), a succession of states Psi(n) is obtained that converges to Phi or to a Pauli partner. This algorithm for state reconstruction is efficient and robust as is seen in the numerical tests presented and is a useful tool not only for state determination but also for the study of Pauli partners. Its main ingredient is the physical imposition operator that changes any state to have the same physical properties, with respect to an observable, of another state.