Quantum annealing is a new-generation tool of information technology, which helps in solving combinatorial optimization problems with high precision, based on the concepts of quantum statistical physics. Detailed discussion on quantum spin glasses and its application in solving combinatorial optimization problems is required for better understanding of quantum annealing concepts. Fulfilling this requirement, the book highlights recent development in quantum spin glasses including Nishimori line, replica method and quantum annealing methods along with the essential principles. Separate chapters on simulated annealing, quantum dynamics and classical spin models are provided for enhanced learning. Important topics including adiabatic quantum computers and quenching dynamics are discussed in detail. This text will be useful for students of quantum computation, quantum information, statistical physics and computer science.
Chakrabarti, Bikas K.: - Bikas K. Chakrabarti is Professor of Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics at the Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics (SINP), Kolkata, India. His research interests include physics of fracture, quantum glasses and the interdisciplinary sciences of optimisation, brain modelling, and econophysics. Professor Chakrabarti is a recipient of the S. S. Bhatnagar Award (1997). He has also received the Outstanding Referee Award of the American Physical Society (2010). He is a Fellow of the Indian National Science Academy and the Indian Academy of Sciences.
Inoue, Jun-Ichi: - Jun-ichi Inoue is associate professor at the Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, Hokkaido University, Japan. His area of interest includes statistical mechanics and its application to information processing and econophysics.
Tamura, Ryo: - Ryo Tamura is a researcher at the International Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics (MANA), National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), Ibaraki, Japan. He has worked in the field of materials science and, in particular, his research interests focus on magnetic materials, including random spin systems and materials informatics.
Tanaka, Shu: - Shu Tanaka is an Assistant Professor at the Waseda Institute for Advanced Study, Waseda University, Tokyo. He is also PRESTO Researcher at the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST). He has worked in various fields of the theory of statistical physics, materials science, and quantum information theory. He has studied both fundamental and application sides of quantum annealing, and has also edited three books on quantum computing. He was a recipient of the 9th Award for the Encouragement of Young Physicists from the Physical Society of Japan (2015).
