We use the language of semidefinite programming and duality to derive necessary and sufficient conditions for the optimal Lewenstein-Sanpera decomposition (LSD) of two-qubit states. We first provide a simple and natural derivation of the Wellens-Kuś equations for full-rank states. Then, we obtain a set of necessary and sufficient conditions for the optimal decomposition of rank-3 states. This closes the gap between the full-rank case, where optimality conditions are given by the Wellens-Kuś equations, and the rank-2 case, where the optimal decomposition is analytically known. We also give an analytic expression for the optimal LSD of a special class of rank-3 states. Finally, our formulation ensures efficient numerical procedures to return the optimal LSD for any arbitrary two-qubit state.

• Received 25 September 2009

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.80.052313