Quantum Markov Chain Semantics for Quip-E Programs

Abstract: In this work we present a mapping from a fragment of the quantum programming language Quipper, called Quip-E, to the semantics of the QPMC model checker, aiming at the automatic verification of quantum programs. As a main outcome, we define a structural operational semantics for the Quip-E language corresponding to quantum Markov chains, and we use it as a basis for analysing quantum programs through the QPMC model checker. The properties of the semantics are proved and contextualised in the development of a tool translating from quantum programs to quantum Markov chains.