Interval Effect Algebras and Holevo Instruments

Abstract: This article begins with a study of convex effect-state spaces. We point out that such spaces are equivalent to interval effect algebras that generate an ordered linear space and possess an order-determining set of states. We then discuss operations and instruments on interval effect algebras under the assumption of an unrestrictive condition. Effects measured by operations and sequential products of effects relative to operations are considered. Observables are introduced and coexistence of effects are discussed. We also present properties of sequential products of observables and conditioning of observables related to instruments. The final section is devoted to Holevo instruments. Pure and mixed Holevo operations are defined and extended to instruments. The Holevo sequential product of two observables is defined and the marginals of these products are computed. We define the commutant of two effects and derive its properties. Examples are given that illustrate the properties of previously presented concepts.