QECert: Formal Foundations for Quantum Error-Correction Theory in Lean

Quantum error correction provides the mathematical basis for protecting quantum information against noise. Existing formalizations have established foundations for stabilizer codes and code verification. However, a systematic formal treatment of the asymptotic constructions and fundamental limitations that underpin scalable quantum error correction is still needed. We present QECert, a Lean library providing reusable formal foundations for these theoretical questions. It connects quantum error-correction criteria, stabilizer and Calderbank-Shor-Steane codes, and algebraic and homological constructions within a common framework. Asymptotically good quantum low density parity check codes provide the principal case study. We formalize constructions and asymptotic parameter theorems spanning hypergraph products, balanced products, lifted products, and quantum Tanner codes. Further developments cover Bravyi-Poulin-Terhal bounds and related locality restrictions, constant overhead magic state distillation, and energy barriers and storage errors for quantum memories. QECert establishes a reusable formal foundation for studying the capabilities, resource requirements, and fundamental limitations of quantum error correction, supporting systematic verification and further development of its theory.

Authors

Publication Details

Journal
arXiv (Cornell University)
Published
2026-11-03
DOI
https://doi.org/10.48550/arxiv.2611.05047
Primary Topic
Quantum Computing Algorithms and Architecture
Type
preprint
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QECert: Formal Foundations for Quantum Error-Correction Theory in Lean

Keming He, Zhongyi Ni, Enji Xiong, Xin Wang et al.
arXiv (Cornell University)
Quantum Computing Algorithms and Architecture
preprint

QECert: Formal Foundations for Quantum Error-Correction Theory in Lean

Keming He, Zhongyi Ni, Enji Xiong, Xin Wang, Jiahan Chen, Lei Zhang
preprint en

Abstract

Quantum error correction provides the mathematical basis for protecting quantum information against noise. Existing formalizations have established foundations for stabilizer codes and code verification. However, a systematic formal treatment of the asymptotic constructions and fundamental limitations that underpin scalable quantum error correction is still needed. We present QECert, a Lean library providing reusable formal foundations for these theoretical questions. It connects quantum error-correction criteria, stabilizer and Calderbank-Shor-Steane codes, and algebraic and homological constructions within a common framework. Asymptotically good quantum low density parity check codes provide the principal case study. We formalize constructions and asymptotic parameter theorems spanning hypergraph products, balanced products, lifted products, and quantum Tanner codes. Further developments cover Bravyi-Poulin-Terhal bounds and related locality restrictions, constant overhead magic state distillation, and energy barriers and storage errors for quantum memories. QECert establishes a reusable formal foundation for studying the capabilities, resource requirements, and fundamental limitations of quantum error correction, supporting systematic verification and further development of its theory.

arXiv (Cornell University)
Quantum Computing Algorithms and Architecture
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