Introduction to Variational Quantum Algorithms

TL;DR

This paper introduces variational quantum algorithms, explaining their basic principles, advanced techniques for efficiency, and discussing challenges in their practical implementation.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of variational quantum algorithms, including VQE and QAOA, and discusses recent advancements and challenges in the field.

Findings

Explanation of basic variational algorithms like VQE and QAOA

Description of advanced techniques for efficiency improvements

Discussion of challenges in implementing VQAs

Abstract

This document is a pdf version of the series of blogposts about variational quantum algorithms (VQA) I originally posted on my blog Musty Thoughts. It provides an explanation of the basic variational algorithms, such as Variational Quantum Eigensolver (VQE) and Quantum Approximate Optimization Algorithm (QAOA), as well as a more general framework for VQAs. It also describes some more advanced techniques that can be used to make these algorithms more efficient, as well as the challenges associated with using them.