General algorithm for manipulating nonlinear and linear entanglement witnesses by using exact convex optimization

We consider the problem of obtaining the entanglement witnesses for a given quantum system. We present a method to convert this problem to a standard convex optimization problem by defining a feasible region. Then we develop a generic two-step algorithm for this problem which can be applied to the entanglement detection of N-partite quantum system. This permits an organized construction of nonlinear and linear entanglement witnesses for a given quantum system. To demonstrate the capability of this approach, we apply our results to several three-qubit systems which in some cases lead to necessary and sufficient conditions for separability. ©2009 The American Physical Society