From Pulses to Circuits and Back Again: A Quantum Optimal Control Perspective on Variational Quantum Algorithms

Alicia B. Magann, Christian Arenz, Matthew D. Grace, Tak San Ho, Robert L. Kosut, Jarrod R. McClean, Herschel A. Rabitz, Mohan Sarovar

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

65 Scopus citations

Abstract

The last decade has witnessed remarkable progress in the development of quantum technologies. Although fault-tolerant devices likely remain years away, the noisy intermediate-scale quantum devices of today may be leveraged for other purposes. Leading candidates are variational quantum algorithms (VQAs), which have been developed for applications including chemistry, optimization, and machine learning, but whose implementations on quantum devices have yet to demonstrate improvements over classical capabilities. In this Perspective, we propose a variety of ways that the performance of VQAs could be informed by quantum optimal control theory. A major theme throughout is the need for sufficient control resources in VQA implementations; we discuss different ways this need can manifest, outline a variety of open questions, and look to the future.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number010101
JournalPRX Quantum
Volume2
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2021
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • General Computer Science
  • Mathematical Physics
  • General Physics and Astronomy
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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