Quantum Walk-Based Optimization of Reinforcement Learning Policies

Jincheng Zhang

Published Sep 3, 2026• 0 citations

Abstract

This paper investigates the potential of utilizing quantum walks to enhance the optimization of reinforcement learning (RL) policies. Traditional RL algorithms often struggle with exploring complex state spaces efficiently, leading to slow learning rates and suboptimal solutions. We propose a novel approach that leverages the inherent properties of quantum walks – superposition and interference – to accelerate the learning process. Specifically, we represent the RL environment as a graph and perform a quantum walk on this graph. The walk's quantum superposition allows for simultaneous exploration of multiple actions, drastically reducing the time required to converge to an optimal policy. We outline the theoretical framework, detailing the mathematical formulation of the quantum walk and its interaction with the RL environment. The core contribution lies in demonstrating how quantum walk's ability to explore multiple states concurrently can provide a significant advantage over classical approaches in optimizing RL policies. We present a conceptual model and a set of equations describing the process, highlighting the key elements for implementation. The results, while theoretical, demonstrate the feasibility and potential impact of this hybrid quantum-classical approach for tackling complex RL problems.

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.22273374

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