Quantum Amplitude Amplification (QAA), the generalization of Grover’s algorithm, is capable of yielding optimal solutions to combinatorial optimization problems with high probabilities. In this work we extend the convention... | Find, read and cite all the research you need on Tech Science Press
Quantum Amplitude Amplification (QAA), the generalization of Grover's algorithm, is capable of yielding optimal solutions to combinatorial optimization problems with high probabilities. In this work we extend the conventional 2-dimensional representation of Grover's (orthogonal collective states) to oracles which encode cost functions such as QUBO, and show that linear cost functions are a special case whereby an exact formula exists for determining optimal oracle parameter settings. Using simulations of problem sizes up to 40 qubits we demonstrate QAA's algorithmic performance across all possible solutions, with an emphasis on the closeness in Grover-like performance for solutions near the global optimum. We conclude with experimental demonstrations of generalized QAA on both IBMQ (superconducting) and IonQ (trapped ion) qubits, showing that the observed probabilities of each basis state match our equations as a function of varying the free parameters in the oracle and diffusion operators.
Quantum Amplitude Amplification (QAA), the generalization of Grover's algorithm, is well-positioned for combinatorial optimization and is particularly promising for Quadratic Unconstrained Binary Optimization (QUBO) problems. QAA is appealing due to its ability to drive the quantum system to a target state, yielding the globally optimal solution with probability over 90+%. However, realizing QAA for application-scale optimization currently exceeds quantum hardware capacity, which is further compounded by unresolved algorithmic challenges regarding the choice of free parameters. In this study, we address these issues by utilizing a realistic traffic flow QUBO problem to investigate the implementation of QAA as a heuristic solver. Specifically, allowing the diffusion operator parameter to take non-π values expands the capabilities of QAA. This unlocks a new multiple-shot, low-iteration strategy that aims for a high cumulative probability rather than maximizing the probability of a single basis state. Using 25-qubit simulations, our results demonstrate that heuristic QAA addresses two of the main challenges cited in previous studies. Firstly, heuristic QAA works even at a single iteration, reducing circuit depth by orders of magnitude compared to standard QAA. And secondly, we show that the problem-dependent parameters necessary for reaching optimal algorithmic performance can be reliably approximated with minimal upfront classical computing overhead.
We propose an algorithm using a modified variant of amplitude amplification to solve combinatorial optimization problems via the use of a subdivided phase oracle. Instead of dividing input states into two groups and shifting the phase equally for all states within the same group, the subdivided phase oracle changes the phase of each input state uniquely in proportion to their objective value. We provide visualization of how amplitudes change after each iteration of applying the subdivided phase oracle followed by conventional Grover diffusion in the complex plane. We then show via numerical simulation that for normal, skew normal, and exponential distribution of objective values, the algorithm can be used to amplify the probability of measuring the optimal solution to a significant degree independent of the search space size. In the case of skew normal and exponential distributions, this probability can be amplified to be close to unity, making our algorithm near deterministic. We then modify our algorithm in order to demonstrate how it can be extended to a broader set of objective value distributions. Finally, we discuss the speedup compared to classical schemes using the query complexity model, and show that our algorithm offers a significant advantage over these classical approaches.
We investigate the use of amplitude amplification on the gate-based model of quantum computing as a means for solving combinatorial optimization problems. This study focuses primarily on quadratic unconstrained binary optimization (QUBO) problems, which are well-suited for qubit superposition states. Specifically, we demonstrate circuit designs which encode QUBOs as ‘cost oracle’ operations UC, which distribute phases across the basis states proportional to a cost function. We then show that when UC is combined with the standard Grover diffusion operator Us, one can achieve high probabilities of measurement for states corresponding to optimal and near optimal solutions while still only requiring O(π42N/M) iterations. In order to achieve these probabilities, a single scalar parameter ps is required, which we show can be found through a variational quantum–classical hybrid approach and can be used for heuristic solutions.
Grover's quantum search and its generalization, quantum amplitude amplification, provide quadratic advantage over classical algorithms for a diverse set of tasks, but are tricky to use without knowing beforehand what fraction λ of the initial state is comprised of the target states. In contrast, fixed-point search algorithms need only a reliable lower bound on this fraction, but, as a consequence, lose the very quadratic advantage that makes Grover's algorithm so appealing. Here we provide the first version of amplitude amplification that achieves fixed-point behavior without sacrificing the quantum speedup. Our result incorporates an adjustable bound on the failure probability, and, for a given number of oracle queries, guarantees that this bound is satisfied over the broadest possible range of λ.
Abstract This guide is based on the IBM Quantum course Phase Estimation and Factoring and focuses on Grover’s algorithm, a quantum algorithm for unstructured search problems that provides a quadratic speedup over classical approaches. In an unstructured search problem, we are given a function (often represented as an oracle) that marks one or more “correct” solutions among NNN possible candidates. A classical algorithm requires on the order of O(N)O(N)O(N) evaluations in the worst case. In contrast, Grover’s algorithm finds a solution using only O(N)O(\sqrt{N})O(N) oracle queries. This quadratic improvement implies: The quantum algorithm requires roughly the square root of the number of operations needed classically. Any classical algorithm for unstructured search must have cost at least quadratic relative to Grover’s quantum procedure. Core Idea of the Algorithm Grover’s algorithm relies on: Preparation of a uniform superposition (typically using Hadamard gates). An oracle that marks valid solutions via phase inversion. The Grover diffusion operator, which amplifies the probability amplitude of the marked states through interference. By repeatedly applying the Grover operator, the amplitude of the desired solution grows while others diminish, allowing measurement to reveal the correct answer with high probability. Practical Considerations Despite its theoretical elegance and wide applicability, the quadratic speedup of Grover’s algorithm is unlikely to yield near-term practical advantage. Modern classical hardware operates at extremely high clock rates and is vastly more mature than current quantum devices. For problem sizes accessible to today’s quantum computers, classical systems remain dominant. However, history shows that even sub-quadratic classical improvements — such as: Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) Efficient sorting algorithms like quicksort and mergesort have had transformative practical impact. The crucial distinction is that Grover’s algorithm depends on fundamentally different hardware — quantum processors — which are still in early development. Long-Term Perspective As quantum hardware advances in qubit count, coherence time, and error correction, Grover’s quadratic advantage may become practically significant for: Cryptographic key search Optimization heuristics Combinatorial search problems Amplitude amplification subroutines in broader quantum algorithms Through hands-on experimentation on IBM Q, this lesson demonstrates how theoretical amplitude amplification translates into executable quantum circuits, reinforcing the relationship between interference, probability amplitudes, and computational complexity.