Quantum Annealing - Foundations and Frontiers

TL;DR

This paper reviews classical and quantum optimization methods, focusing on quantum annealing and the D-Wave computer, discussing criteria for testing quantum features and future research directions.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of quantum annealing, including recent developments with D-Wave, and proposes criteria for evaluating quantum computational features.

Findings

Discussion of classical and quantum optimization methods

Analysis of D-Wave computer and recent progress

Criteria for testing quantum features

Abstract

We briefly review various computational methods for the solution of optimization problems. First, several classical methods such as Metropolis algorithm and simulated annealing are discussed. We continue with a description of quantum methods, namely adiabatic quantum computation and quantum annealing. Next, the new D-Wave computer and the recent progress in the field claimed by the D-Wave group are discussed. We present a set of criteria which could help in testing the quantum features of these computers. We conclude with a list of considerations with regard to future research.