2026 (Current Year) Faculty Courses School of Science Department of Physics Graduate major in Physics
Special Topics in Physics VIII
- Academic unit or major
- Graduate major in Physics
- Instructor(s)
- Masayuki Ohzeki
- Class Format
- Lecture
- Media-enhanced courses
- -
- Day of week/Period
(Classrooms) - Intensive
- Class
- -
- Course Code
- PHY.P558
- Number of credits
- 100
- Course offered
- 2026
- Offered quarter
- 2Q
- Syllabus updated
- Jul 16, 2026
- Language
- English
Syllabus
Course overview and goals
Quantum annealing is a quantum mechanical method for solving combinatorial optimization problems. It is an interdisciplinary topic spanning quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics, and information science that is currently undergoing remarkable progress, highlighted by the emergence of physical hardware and industrial applications. The concept was inspired by the application of a transverse magnetic field to the Hopfield model. Understanding this field requires a multifaceted approach, drawing on optimization methods such as simulated annealing, spin glass research, and studies of quantum many-body systems.
Quantum adiabatic time evolution
Hopfield model and the replica method
Relationship with simulated annealing
Suzuki-Trotter decomposition and non-stoquastic Hamiltonians
Relationship with diffusion models
Course description and aims
Learn the fundamentals of quantum annealing, utilize actual quantum annealing hardware, and understand its operating principles and simulation techniques.
Student learning outcomes
実務経験と講義内容との関連 (又は実践的教育内容)
Understand the key points of developing solutions using quantum annealing machines and become well-versed in their simulation techniques.
Keywords
Quantum computers, quantum annealing, combinatorial optimization problems, generative models
Competencies
- Specialist skills
- Intercultural skills
- Communication skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Practical and/or problem-solving skills
Class flow
Lectures will be conducted with board work, and each session will include discussions designed to develop into future research.
Course schedule/Objectives
| Course schedule | Objectives | |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | About Quantum Annealing |
Review of its concepts and principles |
| Class 2 | How to program a quantum annealing machine |
Review of its concepts and principles |
| Class 3 | Statistical model with transverse field |
Review of its concepts and principles |
| Class 4 | Evaluation by replica method |
Review of its concepts and principles |
| Class 5 | Relation with Simulated Annealing |
Numerical Simulation |
| Class 6 | Suzuki-Trotter decomposition and non-stoquastic Hamiltonian |
Numerical Simulation |
| Class 7 |
|
Review of its concepts and principles |
Study advice (preparation and review)
Textbook(s)
Fundamentals of Quantum Annealing (Kyoritsu Shuppan)
Reference books, course materials, etc.
Distributed as appropriate.
Evaluation methods and criteria
Mainly by homework
Related courses
- PHY.S301 ： Statistical Mechanics
- PHY.S312 ： Statistical Mechanics II
- PHY.S440 ： Statistical Mechanics III
- PHY.Q207 ： Introduction to Quantum Mechanics(Lecture)
- PHY.Q208 ： Quantum Mechanics II(Lecture)
- PHY.Q311 ： Quantum Mechanics III(Lecture)
Prerequisites
Nothing