Provable Quantum--Classical Separation for Continuous Gibbs Sampling

Abstract:We prove the first quantum--classical separation for a sampling problem over a continuous domain. For a class of Gibbs states $p\propto e^{-\beta E}$ on the torus $\mathbb{T}^d$ with smooth ($s$-Gevrey) potential and barrier amplitude $\alpha=e^{\beta\Delta}$, where $\Delta = \max E-\min E$, every classical algorithm---querying the value, gradient, or any higher-order derivatives of the log-density---requires $\Omega(\alpha)$ queries to sample at constant accuracy in total variation distance, while a quantum algorithm based on quantum singular value thresholding and temperature annealing samples with $\tilde{O}\left(\sqrt{\alpha}\right)$ queries to an oracle for the gradient. The advantage is quadratic in the barrier amplitude, which becomes exponential in the dimension, $e^{\Omega(d)}$, at low temperature. The classical bound is information-theoretic, holding for every classical algorithm with query access to the Gibbs potential and its derivatives at any order.

Quantum Physics (quant-ph); Data Structures and Algorithms (cs.DS); Emerging Technologies (cs.ET); Machine Learning (cs.LG)

arXiv:2608.24527 [quant-ph]

(or arXiv:2608.24527v1 [quant-ph] for this version)

https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2608.24527 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.