Quantum Walk-Based Algorithms for Graph Traversal and Optimization

Jincheng Zhang

Published Sep 5, 2026• 0 citations

Abstract

This paper investigates the application of quantum walk algorithms to graph traversal and optimization problems. Classical graph algorithms often struggle with scalability and efficiency when dealing with large and complex graphs. Quantum walks, utilizing the principles of superposition and interference, offer a potential solution by providing a fundamentally different approach to graph exploration. We present a framework for constructing quantum walk-based algorithms tailored for graph traversal, focusing on algorithms that can efficiently explore the graph space. Furthermore, we explore the integration of these algorithms into graph optimization problems, aiming to achieve speedups compared to traditional classical methods. The core idea is to represent graph nodes and edges as quantum states, enabling parallel exploration of the graph through quantum superposition. We explore the mathematical formulation of these algorithms, highlighting key concepts like Hilbert space representation, transition amplitudes, and interference effects. The results presented demonstrate the potential for quantum walk algorithms to significantly improve the performance of graph-related tasks.

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.22315802

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