Work

Quantum-Classical Hybrid Methods for Optimization: Lessons from Classical Decomposition

Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Abstract: Quantum and physics-inspired solvers provide specialized sampling interfaces for Ising and quadratic unconstrained binary optimization models, but constrained optimization requires broader coordination and certification. This survey uses classical decomposition to analyze how such solvers can be integrated into hybrid quantum-classical algorithms. We distinguish formal decomposition, reformulation and reduction, and computational orchestration. For each interface, we ask what the transformation preserves, which assumptions make the outer method converge, and which certificates the implemented inner routine supplies. The central questions are whether that information meets the classical algorithm's requirements and whether hybridization improves solution quality or total cost enough to justify its coordination overhead. Benders decomposition, column generation, graph reduction, and copositive methods illustrate this distinction by separating heuristic proposals from classical certification. We also distinguish component effects within a fixed wrapper, reduction--solver interactions, and comparisons between complete quantum-enabled and classical systems. The analyzed studies provide conditional component benefits and favorable co-design evidence, but do not establish transferable end-to-end superiority over strong classical comparators. The resulting framework identifies opportunities for constraint programming and operations research in structure-preserving design, safeguarded hybrid algorithms, and controlled benchmarking.
Language: English
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7223094872
Cites: 191
Cited by:
Related to: 10