Quantum Software Models: The Density Matrix for Classical and Quantum Software Systems Design

Abstract

Linear Software Models enable rigorous linear algebraic procedures for modular design of classical software systems. These procedures apply a spectral approach to matrix representations – e.g. the Laplacian – of the software system. Recent intensive research efforts towards quantum computers have increased expectations that quantum computing could in due time materialize as a practical alternative to classical computing. It is reasonable to inquire about quantum software desirable features and prepare in advance modular design procedures for quantum software systems. However, it does not make sense to have two totally separate procedures for modular design, one for classical software systems and another for quantum software systems. This paper claims that there should be just a single unified and rigorous design procedure for both classical and quantum software systems. Our common design procedure starting point for both classical and quantum software systems is Von Neumann's quantum notion of Density Operator and its Density Matrix representation. This paper formulates and demonstrates modular design in terms of projection operators obtained from a design Density Matrix and shows their equivalence to the Linear Software Models results of the Laplacian matrix spectrum for the classical case. The application in practice of the design procedure for both classical and quantum software is illustrated by case studies.