Quantum topology optimization of ground structures using noisy intermediate-scale quantum devices

TL;DR

This paper explores using noisy intermediate-scale quantum devices with variational quantum algorithms to solve complex topology optimization problems in product design, demonstrating promising experimental results.

Contribution

It introduces a novel quantum algorithm framework for topology optimization, leveraging two VQAs to identify optimal material configurations.

Findings

Successfully obtained optimal configurations on real quantum devices

Demonstrated potential of quantum algorithms for complex optimization tasks

Opened pathways for quantum-assisted product design processes

Abstract

To arrive at some viable product design, product development processes frequently use numerical simulations and mathematical programming techniques. Topology optimization, in particular, is one of the most promising techniques for generating insightful design choices. Topology optimization problems reduce to an NP-hard combinatorial optimization problem, where the combination of the existence or absence of the material at some positions is optimized. In this study, we examine the usage of quantum computers as a potential solution to topology optimization problems. The proposed method consists of two variational quantum algorithms (VQAs): the first solves the state equilibrium equation for all conceivable material configurations, while the second amplifies the likelihood of an optimal configuration in quantum superposition using the first VQA's quantum state. Several experiments, including a real device experiment, show that the proposed method successfully obtained the optimal configurations. These findings suggest that quantum computers could be a potential tool for solving topology optimization problems and they open the window to the near-future product designs.