Metamorphic testing in quantum computing

Abstract

Quantum computing has been on the rise in recent years, evidenced by a surge in publications on quantum software engineering and testing. Progress in quantum hardware has also been notable, with the introduction of impressive systems like Condor boasting 1121 qubits, and IBM Quantum System Two, which employs three 133-qubit Heron processors. As this technology edges closer to practical application, ensuring the efficacy of our software becomes imperative. Mutation testing, a well-established technique in classical computing, emerges as a valuable approach in this context. In this work, we aim to introduce metamorphic testing for quantum programs. To achieve this goal, we will develop QCRMut, a mutation tool specifically designed for quantum programs, leveraging the inherent structure of Quantum Circuits. Additionally, we will establish an automated framework for mutation testing. This framework will help us define our metamorphic rules and facilitate a systematic testing approach for quantum programs. By automating the testing process, we can efficiently identify potential faults and improve the reliability of quantum software.