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  Maximum number of "almost orthogonal" vectors one can embed in Hilbert space

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In a Hilbert space of dimension $d$, how do I calculate the largest number $N(\epsilon, d)$ of vectors $\{V_i\}$ which satisfies the following properties. Here $\epsilon$ is small but finite compared to 1.

$$<V_i|V_i> = 1$$

$$|<V_i|V_j>| \leq \epsilon, i \neq j$$

Some examples are as follows. 

1. $N(0, d)$ = d

2. $N\left(\frac{1}{2}, 2\right)$ = 3, this can be seen by explicit construction of vectors using the Bloch sphere.

3. $N\left(\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}, 2\right) = 6$, again using the same logic.


How do I obtain any general formula for $N(\epsilon, d)$. Even an approximate form for $N(\epsilon, d)$ in the large $d$ and small $\epsilon$ limit works fine for me.

EDIT: The question is now resolved. See the answer at https://mathoverflow.net/a/336395/78150

asked Jul 18, 2019 in Mathematics by Joyshaitan (85 points) [ revision history ]
recategorized Jul 19, 2019 by Arnold Neumaier

1 Answer

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The question asks for the largest spherical code with given parameters. This is a well-studied problem in finite geometry. 

answered Jul 19, 2019 by Arnold Neumaier (15,787 points) [ no revision ]

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