Combining the advantages of quantum computing and neural networks, quantum neural networks (QNNs) have gained considerable attention recently. However, because of the lack of quantum resource, it is costly to train QNNs. In this work, we presented a simple unsupervised method for quantum-classical convolutional networks to learn a hierarchy of quantum feature extractors. Each level of the resulting feature extractors consist of multiple quanvolution filters, followed by a pooling layer. The main contribution of the proposed approach is to use the K-means clustering to maximize the difference of quantum properties in quantum circuit ansatz. One experiment on the bearing fault detection task shows the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Combining the advantages of quantum computing and neural networks, quantum neural networks (QNNs) have gained considerable attention recently. However, because of the lack of quantum resource, it is costly to train QNNs. In this work, we presented a simple unsupervised method for quantum-classical convolutional networks to learn a hierarchy of quantum feature extractors. Each level of the resulting feature extractors consist of multiple quanvolution filters, followed by a pooling layer. The main contribution of the proposed approach is to use the K-means clustering to maximize the difference of quantum properties in quantum circuit ansatz. One experiment on the bearing fault detection task shows the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Abstract As the rapidly evolving field of machine learning continues to produce incredibly useful tools and models, the potential for quantum computing to provide speed up for machine learning algorithms is becoming increasingly desirable. In particular, quantum circuits in place of classical convolutional filters for image detection-based tasks are being investigated for the ability to exploit quantum advantage. However, these attempts, referred to as quantum convolutional neural networks (QCNNs), lack the ability to efficiently process data with multiple channels and therefore are limited to relatively simple inputs. In this work, we present a variety of hardware-adaptable quantum circuit ansatzes for use as convolutional kernels, and demonstrate that the quantum neural networks we report outperform existing QCNNs on classification tasks involving multi-channel data. We envision that the ability of these implementations to effectively learn inter-channel information will allow quantum machine learning methods to operate with more complex data.
The integration of quantum computing principles with classical deep learning architectures has emerged as a promising direction for advancing image recognition systems beyond the limitations of purely classical convolutional neural networks (CNNs). This study proposes and analyzes a hybrid quantum–classical deep learning framework based on quanvolutional neural network (QNN) principles, where quantum circuits are embedded within convolutional feature extraction layers to enhance representation capability. The research investigates how quantum-enhanced filters, particularly quanvolutional layers, contribute to improved feature diversity, non-linear transformation capacity, and classification accuracy in image recognition tasks. Building upon established convolutional architectures and quantum machine learning theories, the proposed framework integrates quantum random circuit encoding with classical deep neural networks to evaluate performance gains in comparison to conventional CNN models. The study further incorporates theoretical insights from hybrid quantum-classical learning systems, emphasizing the role of parameterized quantum circuits in feature mapping and optimization stability. The methodology is grounded in NISQ-era quantum computing constraints and leverages hybrid optimization strategies to ensure computational feasibility. Experimental evaluation demonstrates that quanvolution-based models can provide improved robustness in feature extraction, particularly in high-dimensional image spaces, while maintaining competitive computational efficiency. However, scalability limitations and noise sensitivity in quantum circuits remain key challenges. Overall, this work contributes to the growing field of quantum-enhanced machine learning by providing a structured performance analysis of hybrid quanvolutional architectures and highlighting their potential role in next-generation intelligent visual recognition systems.
Abstract Quantum Neural Networks (QNNs) present a promising research direction in image recognition, demonstrating significant potential for various applications. However, QNNs with a fixed circuit topology structure are prone to encountering the barren plateaus during training when processing exponential number of qubits, which limit their performance and scalability. In this paper, a novel Hybrid Quantum-Classical Inception-inspired Convolutional Neural Networks (HQCNN) is proposed. The HQCNN enhances feature learning capability and mitigates the barren plateau issue by integrating quantum convolutional kernels with diverse circuit topologies across multiple channels. The architecture employs an amplitude encoding layer to map multi-channel classical data into quantum states, followed by diverse quantum convolutional kernels that extract feature representations. Furthermore, Hadamard gates are used to intergrate multi-channel features and incorporate quantum pooling to reduce feature dimensionality, with a fully connected layer mapping the quantum-enhancing features into class labels for classification tasks. Finally, by analyzing the influence of the circuit structures and quantum gate combinations on the models' performance, the optimal HQCNN architecture is constructed. Experimental results demonstrate that HQCNN achieves 98.5% accuracy on the MNIST-4 classification task and 92.5% accuracy on the MNIST-10 classification task, which indicates that the proposed model outperforms state-of-the-art HQCNN models and classical CNN in image classification with about 10% parameters. This study provides an effective approach for alleviating the barren plateau issue and designing multi-channel quantum convolutional neural networks for processing big classic data with fewer quantum resources.
This paper explores the performance of quantum-classical hybrid networks in image classification tasks, focusing on the integration of quantum circuits as alternative feature extractors to traditional convolutional layers. Specifically, it investigates the use of quanvolutional layers, variational quantum circuits that leverage quantum entanglement and quantum gates, in comparison to classical layers. The study examines various quantum pooling techniques, including conditional entanglement gates, and their impact on classification accuracy across datasets with varying complexity. By experimenting with different pooling strategies, both parametrized and non-parametrized, this work assesses their influence on network performance and feature representation. Results indicate that quanvolutional layers in a hybrid network consistently outperform classical convolutional layers in terms of classification accuracy, particularly when applied to datasets with prominent features. Additionally, the findings suggest that quantum entanglement techniques, rather than rotation parameters, play a more significant role in enhancing performance. This paper concludes that quantum-classical hybrid networks offer a promising approach for feature extraction, although the optimal configuration of pooling methods depends on the characteristics of the data. Future research could further explore the interplay between quantum circuits and different pooling strategies for more effective feature representation.
Neural-network-based algorithms have garnered considerable attention for their ability to learn complex patterns from very-high-dimensional data sets towards classifying complex long-range patterns of entanglement and correlations in many-body quantum systems, and towards processing high-dimensional classical data sets. Small-scale quantum computers are already showing potential gains in learning tasks on large quantum and very large classical data sets. A particularly interesting class of algorithms, the quantum convolutional neural networks (QCNNs) could learn features of a quantum data set by performing a binary classification task on a nontrivial phase of quantum matter. Inspired by this promise, we present a generalization of QCNN, the ``branching quantum convolutional neural network,'' or bQCNN, with substantially higher expressibility. A key feature of bQCNN is that it leverages midcircuit (intermediate) measurement results, realizable on several current quantum devices, obtained in pooling layers to determine which sets of parameters will be used in the subsequent convolutional layers of the circuit. This results in a ``branching'' structure, which allows for a greater number of trainable variational parameters in a given circuit depth. This is of particular use in current-day noisy intermediate-scale quantum devices, where circuit depth is limited by gate noise. We present an overview of the Ansatz structure and scaling and provide evidence of its enhanced expressibility compared with QCNN. Using artificially constructed large data sets of training states as a proof of concept, we demonstrate the existence of training tasks in which bQCNN far outperforms an ordinary QCNN. We provide an explicit example of such a task in the recognition of the transition from a symmetry protected topological to a trivial phase induced by multiple, distinct perturbations. Finally, we present future directions where the classical branching structure and increased density of trainable parameters in bQCNN would be particularly valuable.
Image classification is a fundamental task in deep learning, and recent advances in quantum computing have generated significant interest in quantum neural networks. Traditionally, Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) are employed to extract image features, while Multilayer Perceptrons (MLPs) handle decision making. However, parameterized quantum circuits offer the potential to capture complex image features and define sophisticated decision boundaries. In this paper, we present a novel Hybrid Quantum–Classical Neural Network (H-QNN) for image classification, and demonstrate its effectiveness using the MNIST dataset. Our model combines quantum computing with classical supervised learning to enhance classification accuracy and computational efficiency. In this study, we detail the architecture of the H-QNN, emphasizing its capability in feature learning and image classification. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed H-QNN model outperforms conventional deep learning methods in various training scenarios, showcasing its effectiveness in high-dimensional image classification tasks. Additionally, we explore the broader applicability of hybrid quantum–classical approaches in other domains. Our findings contribute to the growing body of work in quantum machine learning, and underscore the potential of quantum-enhanced models for image recognition and classification.