Improving the Solving of Optimization Problems: A Comprehensive Review of Quantum Approaches

Optimization is a crucial challenge across various domains, including finance, resource allocation, and mobility. Quantum computing has the potential to redefine the way we handle complex problems by reducing computational complexity and enhancing solution quality. Optimization, particularly of obje...

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Main Authors: Deborah Volpe, Giacomo Orlandi, Giovanna Turvani
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-01-01
Series:Quantum Reports
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2624-960X/7/1/3
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author Deborah Volpe
Giacomo Orlandi
Giovanna Turvani
author_facet Deborah Volpe
Giacomo Orlandi
Giovanna Turvani
author_sort Deborah Volpe
collection DOAJ
description Optimization is a crucial challenge across various domains, including finance, resource allocation, and mobility. Quantum computing has the potential to redefine the way we handle complex problems by reducing computational complexity and enhancing solution quality. Optimization, particularly of objective functions, stands to benefit significantly from quantum solvers, which leverage principles of quantum mechanics like superposition, entanglement, and tunneling. The Ising and Quadratic Unconstrained Binary Optimization (QUBO) models are the most suitable formulations for these solvers, involving binary variables and constraints treated as penalties within the overall objective function. To harness quantum approaches for optimization, two primary strategies are employed: exploiting quantum annealers—special-purpose optimization devices—and designing algorithms based on quantum circuits. This review provides a comprehensive overview of quantum optimization methods, examining their advantages, challenges, and limitations. It demonstrates their application to real-world scenarios and outlines the steps to convert generic optimization problems into quantum-compliant models. Lastly, it discusses available tools and frameworks that facilitate the exploration of quantum solutions for optimization tasks.
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spelling doaj-art-2e3a92ce6f3c489c8764a43fbde91f252025-08-20T02:43:02ZengMDPI AGQuantum Reports2624-960X2025-01-0171310.3390/quantum7010003Improving the Solving of Optimization Problems: A Comprehensive Review of Quantum ApproachesDeborah Volpe0Giacomo Orlandi1Giovanna Turvani2Department of Electronics and Telecommunications, Politecnico di Torino, 10129 Turin, ItalyDepartment of Electronics and Telecommunications, Politecnico di Torino, 10129 Turin, ItalyDepartment of Electronics and Telecommunications, Politecnico di Torino, 10129 Turin, ItalyOptimization is a crucial challenge across various domains, including finance, resource allocation, and mobility. Quantum computing has the potential to redefine the way we handle complex problems by reducing computational complexity and enhancing solution quality. Optimization, particularly of objective functions, stands to benefit significantly from quantum solvers, which leverage principles of quantum mechanics like superposition, entanglement, and tunneling. The Ising and Quadratic Unconstrained Binary Optimization (QUBO) models are the most suitable formulations for these solvers, involving binary variables and constraints treated as penalties within the overall objective function. To harness quantum approaches for optimization, two primary strategies are employed: exploiting quantum annealers—special-purpose optimization devices—and designing algorithms based on quantum circuits. This review provides a comprehensive overview of quantum optimization methods, examining their advantages, challenges, and limitations. It demonstrates their application to real-world scenarios and outlines the steps to convert generic optimization problems into quantum-compliant models. Lastly, it discusses available tools and frameworks that facilitate the exploration of quantum solutions for optimization tasks.https://www.mdpi.com/2624-960X/7/1/3QUBOquantum computingdesign automationquantum optimizationquantum annealerquantum circuit model
spellingShingle Deborah Volpe
Giacomo Orlandi
Giovanna Turvani
Improving the Solving of Optimization Problems: A Comprehensive Review of Quantum Approaches
Quantum Reports
QUBO
quantum computing
design automation
quantum optimization
quantum annealer
quantum circuit model
title Improving the Solving of Optimization Problems: A Comprehensive Review of Quantum Approaches
title_full Improving the Solving of Optimization Problems: A Comprehensive Review of Quantum Approaches
title_fullStr Improving the Solving of Optimization Problems: A Comprehensive Review of Quantum Approaches
title_full_unstemmed Improving the Solving of Optimization Problems: A Comprehensive Review of Quantum Approaches
title_short Improving the Solving of Optimization Problems: A Comprehensive Review of Quantum Approaches
title_sort improving the solving of optimization problems a comprehensive review of quantum approaches
topic QUBO
quantum computing
design automation
quantum optimization
quantum annealer
quantum circuit model
url https://www.mdpi.com/2624-960X/7/1/3
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