How "Quantum" is the D-Wave Machine?

TL;DR

This paper presents a classical model that closely replicates the D-Wave machine's behavior, questioning its quantum nature and offering new insights into its computational problem.

Contribution

A simple classical model is proposed that matches the D-Wave machine's input-output behavior, challenging claims of its quantum performance.

Findings

Classical model achieves high correlation with D-Wave outputs

Questions the quantum nature of the D-Wave machine

Provides insights into the native computational problem

Abstract

Recently there has been intense interest in claims about the performance of the D-Wave machine. In this paper, we outline a simple classical model, and show that it achieves excellent correlation with published input-output behavior of the D-Wave One machine on 108 qubits. While raising questions about "how quantum" the D-Wave machine is, the new model also provides additional algorithmic insights into the nature of the native computational problem solved by the D-Wave machine.