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Quantum versus classical annealing of Ising spin glasses
Bettina Heim1, Troels F Rønnow1, Sergei V Isakov2
1Theoretische Physik, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland.
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|March 14, 2015
Summary
Quantum annealing (QA) simulations may overestimate quantum speedup. Careful analysis in the continuous time limit reveals no inherent advantage over classical annealing for spin glasses, highlighting simulation artifacts.
Area of Science:
- Quantum Computing
- Computational Physics
- Statistical Mechanics
Background:
- Quantum annealing (QA) leverages quantum fluctuations to find optimal solutions.
- Quantum Monte Carlo (QMC) simulations have suggested QA superiority over classical annealing.
- Recent experimental advancements prompt a re-evaluation of QA's potential advantages.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the conditions under which quantum speedup is expected in quantum annealing.
- To critically assess the validity of QMC simulations in predicting QA performance.
- To determine if observed QA advantages persist in physically realistic scenarios.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of QA implemented via QMC simulations against classical annealing.
- Analysis of QA performance in two-dimensional Ising spin glasses.
- Simulations conducted in both discrete and continuous time limits.
Main Results:
- QMC simulations in the discrete time limit show better scaling for QA.
- This observed advantage is attributed to time discretization artifacts and non-physical measurements.
- Simulations in the continuous time limit, relevant to physical quantum annealers, do not demonstrate QA superiority.
Conclusions:
- The potential for quantum speedup in quantum annealing requires careful examination.
- QMC simulations, particularly in discrete time, may yield misleading results regarding QA performance.
- Methodological rigor is crucial when using simulations to assess the capabilities of quantum computing hardware.
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