Beyond Stellar Rank: Control Parameters for Scalable Optical Non-Gaussian State Generation

This project is a high-specialization research artifact targeting Continuous Variable (CV) quantum computing. Its primary value lies in the mathematical framework—moving 'Beyond Stellar Rank'—which provides a more practical metric for experimentalists to optimize photon-subtraction or photon-addition circuits. The defensibility is low (4) from a software perspective because it is a reference implementation of a theoretical paper, easily reproducible by any quantum physicist with the same derivation. However, it holds niche authority in the photonic quantum computing community (evidenced by 9 forks despite 0 stars, typical for specialized academia). Frontier labs (OpenAI/Anthropic) have zero interest here, as this is deep-layer physics simulation. The primary 'competitors' are established CV quantum frameworks like Xanadu's Strawberry Fields or MrMustard; the likely trajectory for this work is integration into those larger libraries rather than standing as a standalone product. The risk of platform domination is low, but the risk of consolidation is medium as the quantum software stack is increasingly dominated by hardware-integrated players (Xanadu, PsiQuantum, Quandela).