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The bin packing problem, a classical NP-hard combinatorial optimization challenge, has emerged as a promising candidate for quantum computing applications. In this work, we address the one-dimensional bin packing problem (1dBPP) using a digitized counter-diabatic quantum algorithm (DC-QAOA), which incorporates counter-diabatic (CD) driving to reduce quantum resource requirements while maintaining high solution quality, outperforming traditional methods such as QAOA. We evaluate three ansatz schemes-DC-QAOA, a CD-inspired ansatz, and a CD-mixer ansatz-each integrating CD terms with distinct combinations of cost and mixer Hamiltonians, resulting in different DC-QAOA variants. Among these, the CD-mixer ansatz demonstrates superior performance, showing robustness across various iteration counts, layer depths, and Hamiltonian steps, while consistently producing the most accurate approximations to exact solutions. To validate our approach, we solve a 10-item 1dBPP instance on an IBM quantum computer, optimizing circuit structures through simulations. Despite constraints on circuit depth, the CD-mixer ansatz achieves high accuracy and a high likelihood of success. These findings establish DC-QAOA, particularly the CD-mixer variant, as a powerful framework for solving combinatorial optimization problems on near-term quantum devices., Comment: 12 pages, 7 figures

We experimentally demonstrate that a digitized counterdiabatic quantum protocol reduces the number of topological defects created during a fast quench across a quantum phase transition. To show this, we perform quantum simulations of one- and two-dimensional transverse-field Ising models driven from the paramagnetic to the ferromagnetic phase. We utilize superconducting cloud-based quantum processors with up to 156 qubits. Our data reveal that the digitized counterdiabatic protocol reduces defect formation by up to 48% in the fast-quench regime -- an improvement hard to achieve through digitized quantum annealing under current noise levels. The experimental results closely match theoretical and numerical predictions at short evolution times, before deviating at longer times due to hardware noise. In one dimension, we derive an analytic solution for the defect number distribution in the fast-quench limit. For two-dimensional geometries, where analytical solutions are unknown and numerical simulations are challenging, we use advanced matrix-product-state methods. Our findings indicate a practical way to control the topological defect formation during fast quenches and highlight the utility of counterdiabatic protocols for quantum optimization and quantum simulation in material design on current quantum processors., Comment: 9 pages, 3 figures, 1 table and supplementary information

The field of quantum computing is generating significant anticipation within the scientific and industrial communities due to its potential to revolutionize computing paradigms. Recognizing this potential, this paper explores the integration of transfer of knowledge techniques, traditionally used in classical artificial intelligence, into quantum computing. We present a comprehensive classification of the transfer models, focusing on Transfer Learning and Transfer Optimization. Additionally, we analyze relevant schemes in quantum computing that can benefit from knowledge sharing, and we delve into the potential synergies, supported by theoretical insights and initial experimental results. Our findings suggest that leveraging the transfer of knowledge can enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of quantum algorithms, particularly in the context of hybrid solvers. This approach not only accelerates the optimization process but also reduces the computational burden on quantum processors, making it a valuable tool for advancing quantum computing technologies., Comment: 12 pages, 8 figures, 4 tables. Paper submitted for its review in Expert Systems journal

Exponentially fast scrambling of an initial state characterizes quantum chaotic systems. Given the importance of quickly populating higher energy levels from low-energy states in quantum battery charging protocols, this Letter investigates the role of quantum scrambling in quantum batteries and its effect on optimal power and charging times. We adopt a bare representation with normalized bandwidths to suppress system energy dependence. To our knowledge, this is the first in-depth exploration of quantum scrambling in the context of quantum batteries. By analyzing the dynamics of out-of-time-order correlators, our findings indicate that quantum scrambling does not necessarily lead to faster charging, despite its potential for accelerating the process., Comment: Main text: 4 pages, 4 figures. Supplemental material: 4 pages, 4 figures

We present an enhanced bias-field digitized counterdiabatic quantum optimization (BF-DCQO) algorithm to address higher-order unconstrained binary optimization (HUBO) problems. Combinatorial optimization plays a crucial role in many industrial applications, yet classical computing often struggles with complex instances. By encoding these problems as Ising spin glasses and leveraging the advancements in quantum computing technologies, quantum optimization methods emerge as a promising alternative. We apply BF-DCQO with an enhanced bias term to a HUBO problem featuring three-local terms in the Ising spin-glass model. Our protocol is experimentally validated using 156 qubits on an IBM quantum processor with a heavy-hex architecture. In the studied instances, the results outperform standard methods, including the quantum approximate optimization algorithm (QAOA), quantum annealing, simulated annealing, and Tabu search. Furthermore, we perform an MPS simulation and provide numerical evidence of the feasibility of a similar HUBO problem on a 433-qubit Osprey-like quantum processor. Both studied cases, the experiment on 156 qubits and the simulation on 433 qubits, can be considered as the start of the commercial quantum advantage era, Kipu dixit, and even more when extended soon to denser industry-level HUBO problems., Comment: 12 pages, 5 figures

The Su-Schrieffer-Heeger (SSH) chain, which serves as a paradigmatic model for comprehending topological phases and their associated edge states, plays an essential role in advancing our understanding of quantum materials and quantum information processing and technology. In this paper, we introduce a hybrid analog-digital protocol designed for the nonadiabatic yet high-fidelity transfer of edge states in an SSH chain, featuring two sublattices, A and B. The core of our approach lies in harnessing the approximate time-dependent counterdiabatic (CD) interaction, derived from adiabatic gauge potentials. However, to enhance transfer fidelity, particularly in long-distance chains, higher-order nested commutators become crucial. To simplify the experimental implementation and navigate computational complexities, we identify the next-to-nearest-neighbor hopping terms between sublattice A sites as dominant CD driving and further optimize them by using variational quantum circuits. Through digital quantum simulation, our protocol showcases the capability to achieve rapid and robust solutions, even in the presence of disorder. This analog-digital transfer protocol, an extension of quantum control methodology, establishes a robust framework for edge-state transfer. Importantly, the optimal CD driving identified can be seamlessly implemented across various quantum registers, highlighting the versatility of our approach.

We present an algorithm for solving systems of linear equations based on the HHL algorithm with a novel qudits methodology, a generalization of the qubits with more states, to reduce the number of gates to be applied and the amount of resources. Based on this idea, we perform a quantum-inspired version on tensor networks, taking advantage of their ability to perform non-unitary operations such as projection. The main novelty of this proposal is to perform a simulation as efficient as possible of the HHL algorithm in order to benchmark the algorithm steps according to its input parameters and the input matrix. Finally, we use this algorithm to obtain a solution for the harmonic oscillator with an external force, the forced damped oscillator and the 2D static heat equation differential equations., Comment: 7 pages, 7 figures

The Bin Packing Problem is a classic problem with wide industrial applicability. In fact, the efficient packing of items into bins is one of the toughest challenges in many logistic corporations and is a critical issue for reducing storage costs or improving vehicle space allocation. In this work, we resort to our previously published quantum-classical framework known as Q4RealBPP, and elaborate on the solving of real-world oriented instances of the Bin Packing Problem. With this purpose, this paper gravitates on the following characteristics: i) the existence of heterogeneous bins, ii) the extension of the framework to solve not only three-dimensional, but also one- and two-dimensional instances of the problem, iii) requirements for item-bin associations, and iv) delivery priorities. All these features have been tested in this paper, as well as the ability of Q4RealBPP to solve real-world oriented instances., Comment: 7 pages, 7 figures, paper accepted for being presented in the upcoming 26th IEEE International Conference on Intelligent Transportation Systems - ITSC 2023

In this article, a benchmark for real-world bin packing problems is proposed. This dataset consists of 12 instances of varying levels of complexity regarding size (with the number of packages ranging from 38 to 53) and user-defined requirements. In fact, several real-world-oriented restrictions were taken into account to build these instances: i) item and bin dimensions, ii) weight restrictions, iii) affinities among package categories iv) preferences for package ordering and v) load balancing. Besides the data, we also offer an own developed Python script for the dataset generation, coined Q4RealBPP-DataGen. The benchmark was initially proposed to evaluate the performance of quantum solvers. Therefore, the characteristics of this set of instances were designed according to the current limitations of quantum devices. Additionally, the dataset generator is included to allow the construction of general-purpose benchmarks. The data introduced in this article provides a baseline that will encourage quantum computing researchers to work on real-world bin packing problems., Comment: 11 pages, 4 figures

Efficient packing of items into bins is a common daily task. Known as Bin Packing Problem, it has been intensively studied in the field of artificial intelligence, thanks to the wide interest from industry and logistics. Since decades, many variants have been proposed, with the three-dimensional Bin Packing Problem as the closest one to real-world use cases. We introduce a hybrid quantum-classical framework for solving real-world three-dimensional Bin Packing Problems (Q4RealBPP), considering different realistic characteristics, such as: i) package and bin dimensions, ii) overweight restrictions, iii) affinities among item categories and iv) preferences for item ordering. Q4RealBPP permits the solving of real-world oriented instances of 3dBPP, contemplating restrictions well appreciated by industrial and logistics sectors., Comment: 11 pages, 5 figures. Paper submitted for its review in Scientific Reports

We introduce a simple algorithm that efficiently computes tensor products of Pauli matrices. This is done by tailoring the calculations to this specific case, which allows to avoid unnecessary calculations. The strength of this strategy is benchmarked against state-of-the-art techniques, showing a remarkable acceleration. As a side product, we provide an optimized method for one key calculus in quantum simulations: the Pauli basis decomposition of Hamiltonians., Comment: 6 pages, 4 figures

Coherent states, known as displaced vacuum states, play an important role in quantum information processing, quantum machine learning,and quantum optics. In this article, two ways to digitally prepare coherent states in quantum circuits are introduced. First, we construct the displacement operator by decomposing it into Pauli matrices via ladder operators, i.e., creation and annihilation operators. The high fidelity of the digitally generated coherent states is verified compared with the Poissonian distribution in Fock space. Secondly, by using Variational Quantum Algorithms, we choose different ansatzes to generate coherent states. The quantum resources -- such as numbers of quantum gates, layers and iterations -- are analyzed for quantum circuit learning. The simulation results show that quantum circuit learning can provide high fidelity on learning coherent states by choosing appropriate ansatzes.