Abstract
Let and be (finite or infinite dimensional) complex Hilbert spaces. A characterization of positive completely bounded normal linear maps from into is given, which particularly gives a characterization of positive elementary operators including all positive linear maps between matrix algebras. This characterization is then applied give a representation of quantum channels (operations) between infinite-dimensional systems. A necessary and sufficient criterion of separability is give which shows that a state on is separable if and only if for all positive finite rank elementary operators . Examples of NCP and indecomposable positive linear maps are given and are used to recognize some entangled states that cannot be recognized by the PPT criterion and the realignment criterion.