aiqbench analysis
This research introduces a novel Gibbs state preparation algorithm that leverages algebraic structures in Hamiltonians to improve temperature thresholds for quantum simulation. By replacing classical decoders with quantum variants, the method exploits interference between errors to tolerate stronger noise and reach lower temperatures than previously possible. The work establishes a direct link between decoding error-correcting codes and preparing thermal states, offering significant advances for simulating complex quantum systems like spin glasses.
Gibbs state preparation through quantum decoding
arXiv:2610.03566v1 Announce Type: new Abstract: We propose a Gibbs state preparation algorithm that exploits algebraic structure in the Hamiltonian. Our starting point is Hamiltonian Decoded Quantum Interferometry (HDQI), a recent algorithm that reduces Gibbs state preparation for Pauli Hamiltonians to decoding error-correcting codes. We introduce quantum decoding HDQI (QD-HDQI), replacing HDQI's coherent classical decoder by a quantum decoder that can exploit interference between different errors. For commuting Pauli Hamiltonians, our reduction is efficient and the associated quantum decoding problem corresponds to transmitting the associated symplectic code over i.i.d. pure-state classical-quantum channels. For uniformly random Hamiltonian signs, the vanishing-error threshold of an efficient decoder directly determines the lowest temperature that our algorithm can reach. Even using only classical decoders, this improves upon HDQI's achievable inverse temperature from linear to square-root in the correctable error fraction; quantum decoders can improve further by tolerating still stronger noise. A similar picture extends to the noncommuting regime previously handled by HDQI, where now the noise is correlated within small, independent blocks. We study two such quantum decoders in our QD-HDQI Gibbs sampling framework. The first, based on unambiguous state discrimination, works efficiently for arbitrary binary linear codes. However, we "dequantize" this strategy for commuting Hamiltonians, contributing a classical rejection sampler that matches its temperature threshold. The second is belief propagation with quantum messages (BPQM), a quantum generalization of classical belief propagation. We show that for certain dilute spin glasses, BPQM's decoding threshold exceeds the Shannon limit for classical decoding, reaching temperatures inaccessible to any classical decoder within our framework.
Abstract:We propose a Gibbs state preparation algorithm that exploits algebraic structure in the Hamiltonian. Our starting point is Hamiltonian Decoded Quantum Interferometry (HDQI), a recent algorithm that reduces Gibbs state preparation for Pauli Hamiltonians to decoding error-correcting codes. We introduce quantum decoding HDQI (QD-HDQI), replacing HDQI's coherent classical decoder by a quantum decoder that can exploit interference between different errors. For commuting Pauli Hamiltonians, our reduction is efficient and the associated quantum decoding problem corresponds to transmitting the associated symplectic code over i.i.d. pure-state classical-quantum channels. For uniformly random Hamiltonian signs, the vanishing-error threshold of an efficient decoder directly determines the lowest temperature that our algorithm can reach. Even using only classical decoders, this improves upon HDQI's achievable inverse temperature from linear to square-root in the correctable error fraction; quantum decoders can improve further by tolerating still stronger noise. A similar picture extends to the noncommuting regime previously handled by HDQI, where now the noise is correlated within small, independent blocks. We study two such quantum decoders in our QD-HDQI Gibbs sampling framework. The first, based on unambiguous state discrimination, works efficiently for arbitrary binary linear codes. However, we "dequantize" this strategy for commuting Hamiltonians, contributing a classical rejection sampler that matches its temperature threshold. The second is belief propagation with quantum messages (BPQM), a quantum generalization of classical belief propagation. We show that for certain dilute spin glasses, BPQM's decoding threshold exceeds the Shannon limit for classical decoding, reaching temperatures inaccessible to any classical decoder within our framework.
arXiv:2610.03566 [quant-ph]
(or arXiv:2610.03566v1 [quant-ph] for this version)
https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2610.03566 Focus to learn more arXiv-issued DOI via DataCite (pending registration)
arXivLabs is a framework that allows collaborators to develop and share new arXiv features directly on our website.
Both individuals and organizations that work with arXivLabs have embraced and accepted our values of openness, community, excellence, and user data privacy. arXiv is committed to these values and only works with partners that adhere to them.
Have an idea for a project that will add value for arXiv's community? Learn more about arXivLabs.
Full text under the publisher's open licence · 340 words
Related coverage
Quantum Gibbs State Preparation via Relative Decoding: From Fast-Mixing Sources to Broader Target Classes
arXiv · Oct 6, 2026
From Simple Sources to Quantum Advantage: Homomorphic Polynomial Transduction via Relative Decoding
arXiv · Sep 30, 2026

Gibbs state preparation for commuting Hamiltonian: Mapping to classical Gibbs sampling
Quantum Journal · Sep 18, 2026

News
Quantum Computing Report · Jul 25, 2026