Tohoku University Researchers Develop Algorithm that Enhances Quantum Problem Solving

(Phys.org) Tohoku University researchers have developed an algorithm that enhances the ability of a Canadian-designed D-Wave quantum computer to more efficiently find the best solution for complicated problems. Ph. D candidate Shuntaro Okada and information scientist Masayuki Ohzeki of Japan’s Tohoku University collaborated with global automotive components manufacturer Denso Corporation and other colleagues to develop an algorithm that improves the D-Wave quantum annealer’s ability to solve combinatorial optimization problems.
The algorithm works by partitioning an originally large problem into a group of subproblems. The D-Wave annealer then iteratively optimizes each subproblem to eventually solve the original larger one. The Tohoku University algorithm improves on another algorithm using the same concept by allowing the use of larger subproblems, ultimately leading to the arrival at more optimal solutions more efficiently.