Adiabatic quantum computing

Abstract

In the recent years, the field of adiabatic quantum computing has gained importance due to the advances in the realisation of such machines, especially by the company D-Wave Systems. These machines are suited to solve discrete optimisation problems which are typically very hard to solve on a classical computer. Due to the quantum nature of the device it is assumed that there is a substantial speedup compared to classical HPC facilities.

We explain the basic principles of adiabatic quantum computing as well as its advantages and limitations. By using a quantum computer simulation software we present how discrete optimisation problems, like map colouring and the maximal Clique problem, can be solved. In addition, we investigate the applicability of adiabatic quantum computing to DLR specific problems.