Basis-Sensitive Quantum Typing via Realisability
Abstract
We present λB, a quantum-control λ-calculus that refines previous basis-sensitive systems by allowing abstractions to be expressed with respect to arbitrary -- possibly entangled -- bases. Each abstraction and let construct is annotated with a basis, and a new basis-dependent substitution governs the decomposition of value distributions. These extensions preserve the expressive power of earlier calculi while enabling finer reasoning about programs under basis changes. A realisability semantics connects the reduction system with the type system, yielding a direct characterisation of unitary operators and ensuring safety by construction. From this semantics we derive a validated family of typing rules, forming the foundation of a type-safe quantum programming language. We illustrate the expressive benefits of λB through examples such as Deutsch's algorithm and quantum teleportation, where basis-aware typing captures classical determinism and deferred-measurement behaviour within a uniform framework.
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