QisMC: A Model Checker for QISKIT Program Debugging

Abstract

We present QisMC, the first quantum model checker dedicated to debugging Qiskit programs. On the theoretical side, we introduce the notion of quantum-classical transition system and a quantum computation tree logic (qCTL) grounded in Birkhoff-von Neumann logic for modeling the behaviors and specifying the properties of Qiskit programs, respectively. On the implementation side, QisMC provides an end-to-end framework encompassing transition system generation, logical formula representation, and model checking algorithms, and it efficiently performs image computation based on decision diagrams. These methods and design principles give QisMC advantages over previous Qiskit program debuggers, including a unified property specification language, a fully automated and exhaustive verification process, and the ability to generate counterexamples. Extensive illustrative examples and benchmark evaluations demonstrate the practicality, efficiency, and scalability of QisMC in verifying realistic quantum programs.