Thursday 25 September 2025
A new benchmark for quantum computers has been established, offering a glimpse into the potential of these devices in simulating complex systems. By converting real-time propagators of n-qubit Hamiltonians into quadratic unconstrained binary optimization (QUBO) problems, researchers have created a platform to test both classical and quantum computers.
The QUBO framework is particularly useful for tackling the exponentially growing complexity of many-body quantum systems, which are crucial in fields like condensed matter physics and quantum chemistry. Classical computers face severe limitations when dealing with such systems, leading to an opportunity for quantum computers to demonstrate their advantage.
D-Wave’s Advantage2 quantum processor unit (QPU) has been put through its paces alongside two classical solvers: Simulated Annealing (SA) and VeloxQ. The latter is a state-of-the-art heuristic solver designed specifically for large-scale optimization problems. Each solver was tasked with solving QUBO instances generated from eight representative models, covering single-qubit rotations, multi-qubit entangling gates, and non-Hermitian generators.
The results are striking: Advantage2 consistently outperformed its predecessor, while VeloxQ retained the overall lead among classical solvers. The data reveals an exponential scaling of time-to-solution (TTS) with system size, which is a hallmark of quantum computers’ ability to tackle complex problems.
Interestingly, in the large-scale regime, the GPU-accelerated SA solver began to outperform its CPU counterpart, highlighting the potential benefits of parallel processing. The new Advantage2 QPU demonstrated significant progress in simulating quantum dynamics, despite still being in the noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) era.
The benchmark also highlights the importance of developing practical applications for quantum computers. By testing both classical and quantum solvers on a unified platform, researchers can better understand the strengths and weaknesses of each approach. This knowledge will be crucial in determining when to use quantum computers and when to rely on classical ones.
As research continues to push the boundaries of quantum computing, this benchmark serves as a valuable stepping stone towards more complex simulations. The potential applications are vast, from materials science to cryptography, and will likely drive innovation in both hardware and software development.
The QUBO framework offers a unique opportunity for researchers to explore the capabilities of quantum computers, providing a clear trajectory towards competitive dynamics simulation. As the field continues to evolve, this benchmark will serve as a foundation for understanding the strengths and limitations of both classical and quantum computing approaches.
Cite this article: “Quantum Computers Demonstrate Advantage in Simulating Complex Systems”, The Science Archive, 2025.
Quantum Computers, Simulation, Complex Systems, Qubo, Benchmark, Classical Computers, Quantum Dynamics, Nisq Era, Optimization Problems, Parallel Processing
