Toward a Quantum-DEVS Formalism for Hybrid Classical- Quantum Simulation

Dharmesh Mistry, Louis R. Carlozo

Jeffrey D. Morris, Michael R. Grimaila, Douglas D. Hodson +2 more

In this paper, we present modeling a Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) system with its components using the Discrete Event System Specification (DEVS) formalism. The DEVS formalism assures the developed component models are composable and exhibit well-defined temporal behavior independent of the simulation environment. These attributes enable users to assemble a valid simulation using any collection of compatible components to represent complete QKD system architectures. To illustrate the approach, we introduce a prototypical “prepare and measure” QKD system, decompose one of its subsystems, and present the detailed modeling of the subsystem using the DEVS formalism. The developed models are provably composable and exhibit behavior suitable for the intended analytic purpose, thus improving the validity of the simulation. Finally, we examine issues identified during the verification of the conceptual DEVS model and discuss the impact of these findings on implementing a hybrid QKD simulation framework.

Jeffrey D. Morris

Abstract : Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is a revolutionary security technology that exploits the laws of quantum mechanics to achieve information-theoretical secure key exchange. QKD is suitable for use in applications that require high security such as those found in certain commercial, governmental, and military domains. As QKD is a new technology, there is a need to develop a robust quantum communication modeling and simulation framework to support the analysis of QKD systems. This dissertation presents conceptual modeling QKD system components using the Discrete Event System Specification (DEVS) formalism to assure the component models are provably composable and exhibit temporal behavior independent of the simulation environment. These attributes enable users to assemble and simulate any collection of compatible components to represent QKD system architectures. The developed models demonstrate closure under coupling and exhibit behavior suitable for the intended analytic purpose, thus improving the validity of the simulation. This research contributes to the validity of the QKD simulation, increasing developer and user confidence in the correctness of the models and providing a composable, canonical basis for performance analysis efforts. The research supports the efficient modeling, simulation, and analysis of QKD systems when evaluating existing systems or developing next generation QKD cryptographic systems.

Yongshan Ding, Frederic T. Chong

Rolando D. Somma, Gerardo Ortíz, Cristian D. Batista +1 more

Giulio Crognaletti, Mattia Robbiano, Michele Grossi +1 more

The development of techniques for simulating quantum systems using classical computers is a paramount task for two primary reasons: i) there exist configurations for which classical computers are remarkably effective and will continue to be so, and ii) exploring the limits of classical computation facilitates the identification of the regimes of competence for quantum computers. In this work, we present MPStab, a quantum circuit simulator based on a hybrid formalism combining stabilizers and tensor networks, recently introduced in Ref. [1]. We present the package, its core functionalities, and explore its performances in a few interesting simulation regimes.