Extension of Quantum Annealing

Abstract

Quantum annealing enables a global minimum search for quadratic functions in binary integer variables. It should be applied to more general problems. Therefore, in this research, we investigate the extension of the method to solve global minimum search by the quantum annealing method. There are three issues that need to be addressed: (1) conversion of decimal integer variables to binary integer variables; (2) binary discrete variable approximation of decimal continuous variables; (3) extension to general non-quadratic functions. This paper aims to develop the basic mathematics necessary for expanding the scope of application of the quantum annealing method, which was created as a solution to the minimum problem of quadratic functions of binary integer variables.