In this paper, we present two tensor network quantum-inspired algorithms to solve the knapsack and the shortest path problems, and enables to solve some of its variations. These methods provide an exact equation which returns the optimal solution of the problems. As in other tensor network algorithms for combinatorial optimization problems, the method is based on imaginary time evolution and the implementation of restrictions in the tensor network. In addition, we introduce the use of symmetries and the reutilization of intermediate calculations, reducing the computational complexity for both problems. To show the efficiency of our implementations, we carry out some performance experiments and compare the results with those obtained by other classical algorithms.
In this paper, we present two tensor network quantum-inspired algorithms to solve the knapsack and the shortest path problems, and enables to solve some of its variations. These methods provide an exact equation which returns the optimal solution of the problems. As in other tensor network algorithms for combinatorial optimization problems, the method is based on imaginary time evolution and the implementation of restrictions in the tensor network. In addition, we introduce the use of symmetries and the reutilization of intermediate calculations, reducing the computational complexity for both problems. To show the efficiency of our implementations, we carry out some performance experiments and compare the results with those obtained by other classical algorithms.
We present a quantum-inspired tensor network algorithm for solving tridiagonal Quadratic Unconstrained Binary Optimization (QUBO) problems and quadratic unconstrained discrete optimization (QUDO) problems. We also solve the more general Tensor quadratic unconstrained discrete optimization (T-QUDO) problems with one-neighbor interactions in a lineal chain. This method provides an exact and explicit equation for these problems. Our algorithms are based on the simulation of a state that undergoes imaginary time evolution and a Half partial trace. In addition, we address the degenerate case and evaluate the polynomial complexity of the algorithm, also providing a parallelized version. We implemented and tested them with other well-known classical algorithms and observed an improvement in the quality of the results. The performance of the proposed algorithms is compared with the Google OR-TOOLS and dimod solvers, improving their results.
Combinatorial optimization is of general interest for both theoretical study and real-world applications. Fast-developing quantum algorithms provide a different perspective on solving combinatorial optimization problems. In this paper, we propose a quantum-inspired tensor-network-based algorithm for general locally constrained combinatorial optimization problems. Our algorithm constructs a Hamiltonian for the problem of interest, effectively mapping it to a quantum problem, then encodes the constraints directly into a tensor network state and solves the optimal solution by evolving the system to the ground state of the Hamiltonian. We demonstrate our algorithm with the open-pit mining problem, which results in a quadratic asymptotic time complexity. Our numerical results show the effectiveness of this construction and potential applications in further studies for general combinatorial optimization problems.
This work presents a novel tensor network algorithm for solving Quadratic Unconstrained Binary Optimization (QUBO) problems, Quadratic Unconstrained Discrete Optimization (QUDO) problems, and Tensor Quadratic Unconstrained Discrete Optimization (T-QUDO) problems. The proposed algorithm is based on the MeLoCoToN methodology, which solves combinatorial optimization problems by employing superposition, imaginary time evolution, and projective measurements. Additionally, two different approaches are presented to solve QUBO and QUDO problems with k-neighbors interactions in a lineal chain, one based on 4-order tensor contraction and the other based on matrix-vector multiplication, including sparse computation and a new technique called "Waterfall". Furthermore, the performance of both implementations is compared with a quadratic optimization solver to demonstrate the performance of the method, showing advantages in several problem instances.
Quantum computers are expected to enable fast solving of large-scale combinatorial optimization problems. However, their limitations in fidelity and the number of qubits prevent them from handling real-world problems. Recently, a quantum-inspired solver using tensor networks has been proposed, which works on classical computers. Particularly, tensor networks have been applied to constrained combinatorial optimization problems for practical applications. By preparing a specific tensor network to sample states that satisfy constraints, feasible solutions can be searched for without the method of penalty functions. Previous studies have been based on profound physics, such as U(1) gauge schemes and high-dimensional lattice models. In this study, we devise to design feasible tensor networks using elementary mathematics without such a specific knowledge. One approach is to construct tensor networks with nilpotent-matrix manipulation. The second is to algebraically determine tensor parameters. We showed mathematically that such feasible tensor networks can be constructed to accommodate various types of constraints. For the principle verification, we numerically constructed a feasible tensor network for facility location problem, to find much faster construction than conventional methods. Then, by performing imaginary time evolution, feasible solutions were always obtained, ultimately leading to the optimal solution.
Quantum computing has long promised to revolutionize the way we solve complex problems. At the same time, tensor networks are widely used across various fields due to their computational efficiency and capacity to represent intricate systems. While both technologies can address similar problems, the primary aim of this thesis is not to compare them. Such comparison would be unfair, as quantum devices are still in an early stage, whereas tensor network algorithms represent the state-of-the-art in quantum simulation. Instead, we explore a potential synergy between these technologies, focusing on how two flagship algorithms from each paradigm, the Density Matrix Renormalization Group (DMRG) and quantum annealing, might collaborate in the future. Furthermore, a significant challenge in the DMRG algorithm is identifying an appropriate tensor network representation for the quantum system under study. The representation commonly used is called Matrix Product Operator (MPO), and it is notoriously difficult to obtain for certain systems. This thesis outlines an approach to this problem using finite automata, which we apply to construct the MPO for our case study. Finally, we present a practical application of this framework through the quadratic knapsack problem (QKP). Despite its apparent simplicity, the QKP is a fundamental problem in computer science with numerous practical applications. In addition to quantum annealing and the DMRG algorithm, we implement a dynamic programming approach to evaluate the quality of our results. Our results highlight the power of tensor networks and the potential of quantum annealing for solving optimization problems. Moreover, this thesis is designed to be self-explanatory, ensuring that readers with a solid mathematical background can fully understand the content without prior knowledge of quantum mechanics.
This study explores quantum-inspired optimization algorithms (QIOAs) as practical tools for solving constrained combinatorial problems on classical machines. We analyze tasks that can be formulated in Ising or QUBO forms and benchmark three representative approaches: Simulated Bifurcation (SB), Quantum-Inspired Particle Swarm Optimization (QPSO), and a tensor-network (TN) method. A unified evaluation protocol is introduced that captures solution quality, feasibility, runtime, energy consumption, parameter sensitivity, and scalability. To ensure reliable performance, we develop automated penalty-adjustment and schedule-calibration strategies. Experimental results across diverse benchmarks show that SB and TN together yield the best trade-offs between accuracy and runtime: SB is efficient on dense instances with moderate penalties and low energy use, while TN is advantageous for sparse or modular networks, especially on GPUs. QPSO is competitive in smoother landscapes but more sensitive to hyperparameters. By linking performance to structural properties such as spectral gaps and constraint activity, we provide guidance for selecting suitable algorithms. Overall, QIOAs emerge as effective intermediaries between existing classical heuristics and emerging quantum devices, supported by a reproducible, energy-aware evaluation framework.