Eigenvalue mixing matrix of a unital quantum channel ($A_{ji}=⟨v_j|\Lambda (|u_i⟩⟨u_i|)|v_j⟩$)

Choose input eigenvectors $u_i$ and output eigenvectors $v_j$ for a unital quantum channel. Positivity makes the displayed entries nonnegative. Trace preservation makes every column sum one; unitality makes every row sum one. Thus $A$ is a doubly stochastic matrix and the output spectrum satisfies $s=Ar$. The mixing matrix need not be a matrix of squared overlaps of a single unitary, even though its row and column constraints are the same.

A unital quantum channel mixes its input spectrum with a doubly stochastic matrix, so its output spectrum satisfies the majorization relation with its input spectrum. The reverse inequality is generally false: a pure state can be sent to a maximally mixed state. The direction expresses the fact that unital noise can make eigenvalues more uniform. Equality of the two spectra is possible, for example under a unitary channel.