Optimal compression for mixed signal states

Abstract

We consider the problem of the optimal compression rate in the case of the source producing mixed signal states within the {\it visible} scheme (where Alice, who is to compress the signal, can know the identities of the produced states). We show that a simple strategy based on replacing the signal states with their {\it extensions} gives {\it optimal} compression. As a result we obtain a considerable simplification of the formula for optimal compression rate within visible scheme.

RevTeX, 5 pages, improvement of the proof (changes in the formula (16))