Quantum Behaviours and Networks

The purpose of this paper is to discuss how Willems' behavioral modeling might be applied to physical systems governed by the laws of quantum physics. A quantum behavior is simply defined in terms of the evolution of physical variables according to quantum mechanics. This evolution is determined by parameters that specify the internal energy of the system, and any interfaces to other systems or fields. A simple framework for modeling open quantum systems and networks of such systems is described; this framework provides tools for determining quantum behaviors. The ideas are illustrated by an example from quantum optics.