We investigate the correlation properties of separable two-qubit states with maximally mixed marginals. These states are divided to two sets with the same geometric quantum correlation. However, a closer scrutiny of these states reveals a profound difference between their quantum correlations as measured by more probing measures. Although these two sets of states are prepared by the same type of quantum operations acting on classically correlated states with equal classical correlations, the amount of final quantum correlation is different. We investigate this difference and trace it back to the hidden classical correlation which exists in their preparation process. We also compare these states with regard to their usefulness for entanglement distribution and their robustness against noise.

• Received 10 December 2013
• Revised 10 May 2014

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.91.012304