A functional quantum programming language
Thorsten Altenkirch, Jonathan Grattage · Nottingham ePrints (University of Nottingham) · 2004
Abstract. We introduce the language QML, a functional language for quantum computations on finite types. Its design is guided by its categorical semantics: QML programs are interpreted by morphisms in the category FQC of finite quantum computations, which provides a constructive semantics of irreversible quantum computations realizable as quantum gates. QML integrates reversible and irreversible quantum computations in one language, using first order strict linear logic to make weakenings explicit. Strict programs are free from decoherence and hence preserve superpositions and entanglement – which is essential for quantum parallelism. 1