Quantum technologies are maturing into systems that classical engineering must build, verify and maintain. The model-driven community has begun to respond with quantum-aware pipelines and languages, and the domain models these produce must be synchronised with the heterogeneous models created and owned by other communities. We argue that existing synchronisation approaches are insufficient for engineered quantum systems. A quantum system description captures superposition and entanglement, which a model transformation could remove undetected, while every structural check passes. To address this, we present the Quantum Systems Model Management (QSysMM) Framework, which guides the construction and synchronisation of the models of a quantum system into a digital single source of truth. The framework features four concerns: ontological, abstraction, composition and exposure, each given the treatment that engineered quantum systems require. Within this framework, we propose a Quantum Systems Modelling Language (QSysML) on the SysML v2 technology stack, and we close with a proposal that matures this synchronisation core into full model management for quantum systems.
Quantum technologies are maturing into systems that classical engineering must build, verify and maintain. The model-driven community has begun to respond with quantum-aware pipelines and languages, and the domain models these produce must be synchronised with the heterogeneous models created and owned by other communities. We argue that existing synchronisation approaches are insufficient for engineered quantum systems. A quantum system description captures superposition and entanglement, which a model transformation could remove undetected, while every structural check passes. To address this, we present the Quantum Systems Model Management (QSysMM) Framework, which guides the construction and synchronisation of the models of a quantum system into a digital single source of truth. The framework features four concerns: ontological, abstraction, composition and exposure, each given the treatment that engineered quantum systems require. Within this framework, we propose a Quantum Systems Modelling Language (QSysML) on the SysML v2 technology stack, and we close with a proposal that matures this synchronisation core into full model management for quantum systems.
Quantum networks are advancing towards larger and more operational infrastructures, yet their evaluation remains fragmented across heterogeneous physical platforms, simulators, protocols, and architectural abstractions. Current digital-twin studies for quantum networks mainly realise isolated capabilities or application-specific solutions rather than reusable system-level twins. This paper argues that Model-Driven Engineering (MDE) can provide a systematic basis for integrating and evolving these heterogeneous artefacts. It derives requirements for design-time evaluation and runtime synchronisation, and proposes a progression of architectures from code-driven and domain-model-driven solutions to point-to-point and hub-and-spoke integration. A conceptual implementation case study illustrates this using SysML v2, QKD kit, an EMF-based controller, and SeQUeNCe. The work provides a foundation for adaptable and interoperable digital twins for quantum networks.
Quantum simulation is a leading candidate for demonstrating practical quantum advantage over classical computation, as it is believed to provide exponentially more compute power than any classical system. It offers new means of studying the behaviour of complex physical systems, for which conventionally software-intensive simulation codes based on numerical high-performance computing are used. Instead, quantum simulations map properties and characteristics of subject systems, for instance chemical molecules, onto quantum devices that then mimic the system under study.
Currently, the use of these techniques is largely limited to fundamental science, as the overall approach remains tailored for specific problems: We lack infrastructure and modelling abstractions that are provided by the software engineering community for other computational domains.
In this paper, we identify critical gaps in the quantum simulation software stack-particularly the absence of general-purpose frameworks for model specification, Hamiltonian construction, and hardware-aware mappings. We advocate for a modular model-driven engineering (MDE) approach that supports different types of quantum simulation (digital and analogue), and facilitates automation, performance evaluation, and reusability. Through an example from high-energy physics, we outline a vision for a quantum simulation framework capable of supporting scalable, cross-platform simulation workflows.
Quantum technologies are emerging. Dedicated languages for programming Quantum machines are emerging as well and already used in different settings. Orthogonal to this development, Model-Driven Engineering (MDE) is explored to ease the development of software systems by applying modeling techniques such as Domain-Specific Modeling Languages and generative techniques such as code generation. In this position paper, we argue for a dedicated research line which deals with the exploration of how MDE may be applied for Quantum technologies. This combination would allow to speed- up the development of Quantum software, open the door for domain experts to utilize Quantum technologies, and may provide an additional abstraction layer over existing Quantum hardware architectures and programming languages. We outline several research challenges which we derived from a demonstration case of how to exploit domain-specific modeling for social network analysis on Quantum technologies.
Realisation of significant advances in capabilities of sensors, computing, timing, and communication enabled by quantum technologies is dependent on engineering highly complex systems that integrate quantum devices into existing classical infrastructure. A systems engineering approach is considered to address the growing need for quantum-secure telecommunications that overcome the threat to encryption caused by maturing quantum computation. This work explores a range of existing and future quantum communication networks, specifically quantum key distribution network proposals, to model and demonstrate the evolution of quantum key distribution network architectures. Leveraging Orthogonal Variability Modelling and Systems Modelling Language as candidate modelling languages, the study creates traceable artefacts to promote modular architectures that are reusable for future studies. We propose a variability-driven framework for managing fast-evolving network architectures with respect to increasing stakeholder expectations. The result contributes to the systematic development of viable quantum key distribution networks and supports the investigation of similar integration challenges relevant to the broader context of quantum systems engineering.
This paper introduces a vision for Quantum Software Development lifecycle, proposing a hybrid full-stack iterative model that integrates quantum and classical computing. Addressing the current challenges in Quantum Computing (QC) such as the need for integrating diverse programming languages and managing the complexities of quantum-classical systems, this model is rooted in the principles of DevOps and continuous software engineering. It presents a comprehensive lifecycle for quantum software development, encompassing quantum-agnostic coding, testing, deployment, cloud computing services, orchestration, translation, execution, and interpretation phases. Each phase is designed to accommodate the unique demands of QC, enabling traditional software developers to engage with QC environments without needing in-depth QC expertise. The paper presents a detailed implementation roadmap, utilizing a range of existing tools and frameworks, thereby making quantum software development more accessible and efficient. The proposed model not only addresses current challenges in quantum software development but also makes a substantial contribution to the field of Quantum Software Engineering (QSE). By proposing a structured and accessible model, it sets the stage for further advancements and research in QSE, enhancing its practicality and relevance in a wide range of applications.
Abstract Developers of the many promising quantum computing applications that currently exist are urging companies in many different sectors seriously consider integrating this new technology into their business. For these applications to function, not only are quantum computers required, but quantum software also. Accordingly, quantum software engineering has become an important research field, in that it attempts to apply or adapt existing methods and techniques (or propose new ones) for the analysis, design, coding, and testing of quantum software, as well as playing a key role in ensuring quality in large-scale productions. The design of quantum software nevertheless poses two main challenges: the modelling of software quantum elements must be done in high-level modelling languages; and the need to further develop so-called “hybrid information systems”, which combine quantum and classical software. To address these challenges, we first propose a quantum UML profile for analysing and designing hybrid information systems; we then demonstrate its applicability through various structural and behavioural diagrams such as use case, class, sequence, activity, and deployment. In comparison to certain other quantum domain-specific languages, this UML profile ensures compliance with a well-known international standard that is supported by many tools and is followed by an extensive community.