Work

Quantum Elastica

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This paper presents a quantum method to tackle optimization challenges. Departing from the typical applications of quantum theory in particle physics, we demonstrate our approach using the elastica problem as a concrete example. The elastica, a classic variational problem extensively studied by mathematicians, serves as an ideal test case. Within quantum theory, our central innovation lies in the way we handle boundary conditions by combining forward and backward propagating wave solutions, a concept inspired by the superposition of forward and backward time-traveling particle waves in quantum mechanics. This approach not only provides a novel solution method for the elastica problem but also opens new pathways for applying quantum mathematical techniques to classical optimization challenges in other domains.

Source: Entropy

DOI: 10.3390/e27040388

Authors: Davi Geiger, Michael Werman

Institutions: Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences, New York University, Hebrew University of Jerusalem

Language: English

Topic: Quantum Computing Algorithms and Architecture

Subfield: Artificial Intelligence

Field: Computer Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137

Funder: National Science Foundation