Collective optimization for variational quantum eigensolvers

Dan-Bo Zhang and Tao Yin
Phys. Rev. A 101, 032311 – Published 10 March 2020

Abstract

A variational quantum eigensolver (VQE) optimizes parametrized eigenstates of a Hamiltonian on a quantum processor by updating parameters with a classical computer. Such a hybrid quantum-classical optimization serves as a practical way to leverage classical algorithms in exploiting the power of near-term quantum devices. Here, aiming to solve a group of Hamiltonians more efficiently, we develop an extension of the conventional VQE. A snake algorithm is incorporated to couple optimizing processes for VQEs of different Hamiltonians by gradient descent. Such a so-called collective VQE (CVQE) is applied to simulate molecules with varied bond lengths for demonstration. Numeral simulations show that the CVQE exhibits clear collective behavior in the optimization process of updating parameters. Remarkably, the CVQE tends to avoid a single VQE task to be trapped in the local minimum. The collective optimization utilizes intrinsic relations between related tasks and may inspire advanced hybrid quantum-classical algorithms for solving practical problems with current quantum technologies.

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  • Received 19 December 2019
  • Accepted 14 February 2020

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.101.032311

©2020 American Physical Society

Physics Subject Headings (PhySH)

Quantum Information, Science & Technology

Authors & Affiliations

Dan-Bo Zhang1,* and Tao Yin2,†

  • 1Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Quantum Engineering and Quantum Materials, GPETR Center for Quantum Precision Measurement, SPTE, and Frontier Research Institute for Physics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
  • 2Yuntao Quantum Technologies, Shenzhen 518000, China

  • *dbzhang@m.scnu.edu.cn
  • tao.yin@artiste-qb.net

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Issue

Vol. 101, Iss. 3 — March 2020

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