Model Checking for Verification of Quantum Circuits

Robert Wille, Lukas Burgholzer

Jincheng Zhang

This paper presents a novel approach to verifying the correctness of quantum circuits using temporal logic. Traditional verification methods often rely on gate-level simulation, which can be computationally expensive and insufficient for complex quantum algorithms. This work addresses this limitation by formally modeling quantum circuits as temporal logic systems. We leverage the expressive power of temporal logic to capture the desired behavior of quantum algorithms, including their evolution over time and the effects of quantum phenomena like superposition and entanglement. The core of our method involves mapping the circuit's operations onto temporal logic specifications and utilizing automated theorem proving and model checking techniques, tailored to the probabilistic nature of quantum systems. We demonstrate that this approach provides a more rigorous and scalable verification framework compared to existing methods, offering a pathway to ensuring the reliability of quantum computations. The key contributions of this work are the formalization of quantum circuits with temporal logic, the adaptation of theorem proving and model checking techniques for quantum systems, and the potential for significantly improving the trustworthiness of quantum algorithms.

Arun Govindankutty

Quantum computing uses the laws of quantum mechanics to perform computation. Information is stored in qubits and processed using quantum gates arranged as quantum circuits. As quantum hardware grows in size and complexity, verifying these systems becomes increasingly difficult. Traditional verification methods do not scale well and quickly become computationally infeasible. This creates a strong need for more powerful and scalable verification techniques. Formal methods provide a potential solution to this problem. Techniques such as theorem proving, model checking, and symbolic reasoning offer mathematically rigorous ways to verify correctness, equivalence, and implementation. They also help detect design errors early in the development process. This study examines how formal methods are applied to quantum circuit verification. It focuses on barrier certificates, abstract interpretation, model checking, and theorem proving approaches. The study discusses both the theoretical foundations and practical applications of these techniques. Their strengths and limitations are analysed through representative case studies. Finally, the study highlights open challenges and identifies promising directions for future research. An extensive set of references is included to support further study and exploration.

Robert Wille, Lukas Burgholzer

Arun Govindankutty

Quantum computing exploits the principles, and laws of quantum mechanics to perform computation. Information is stored in qubits and processed using quantum gates arranged as quantum circuits. As quantum hardware grows in size and complexity, verifying these systems becomes increasingly difficult. Traditional verification methods do not scale well and quickly become computationally infeasible. This creates a strong need for more powerful and scalable verification techniques. Formal methods provide a potential solution to this problem. Techniques such as theorem proving, model checking, and symbolic reasoning offer mathematically rigorous ways to verify correctness, equivalence, and implementation. They also help detect design errors early in the development process. This study examines how formal methods are applied to quantum circuit verification. It focuses on barrier certificates, abstract interpretation, model checking, and theorem proving approaches. The study discusses both the theoretical foundations and practical applications of these techniques. Their strengths and limitations are analysed through representative case studies. Finally, the study highlights open challenges and identifies promising directions for future research. An extensive set of references is included to support further study and exploration.

Sidi Mohamed Beillahi, Mohamed Yousri Mahmoud, Sofiène Tahar