Quantum processing units (QPUs) executing annealing algorithms have shown promise in optimization and simulation applications. Hybrid algorithms are a natural bridge to larger applications. We present a simple greedy method for solving larger-than-QPU lattice-structured Ising optimization problems. The method, implemented in the open source D-Wave Hybrid framework, uses a QPU coprocessor operating with generic parameters. Performance is evaluated for standard spin-glass problems on two lattice types with up to 11,616 spin variables, double the size that is directly programmable on any available QPU. The proposed method is shown to converge to low-energy solutions faster than an open source simulated annealing method that is either directly employed or substituted as a coprocessor in the hybrid method. Using newer Advantage QPUs in place of D-Wave 2000Q QPUs is shown to enhance convergence of the hybrid method to low energies and to achieve a lower final energy.

Inference methods are often formulated as variational approximations: these approxima- tions allow easy evaluation of statistics by marginalization or linear response, but these estimates can be inconsistent. We show that by introducing constraints on covariance, one can ensure consistency of linear response with the variational parameters, and in so doing inference of marginal probability distributions is improved. For the Bethe approximation and its generalizations, improvements are achieved with simple choices of the constraints. The approximations are presented as variational frameworks; iterative procedures related to message passing are provided for finding the minima.

SAT filters are a novel and compact data structure that can be used to quickly query a word for membership in a fixed set. They have the potential to store more information in a fixed storage limit than a Bloom filter. Constructing a SAT filter requires sampling diverse solutions to randomly constructed constraint satisfaction instances, but there is flexibility in the choice of constraint satisfaction problem. Presented here is a case study of SAT filter construction with a focus on constraint satisfaction problems based on MAX-CUT clauses (Not-all-equal 3-SAT, 2-in-4-SAT, etc.) and frustrated cycles in the Ising model. Solutions are sampled using a D-Wave quantum annealer, and results are measured against classical approaches. The SAT variants studied are of interest in the context of SAT filters, independent of the solvers used.

Compressed sensing of sparse sources can be improved by incorporating prior knowledge of the source. In this paper we demonstrate a method for optimal selection of weights in weighted ℓ1norm minimization for a noiseless reconstruction model, and show the improvements in compression that can be achieved.

Balancing efficiency of bandwidth use and complexity of detection involves choosing a suitable load for a multi-access channel. In the case of synchronous CDMA, with random codes, it is possible to demonstrate the existence of a threshold in the load beyond which there is an apparent jump in computational complexity. At small load unit clause propagation can determine a jointly optimal detection of sources on a noiseless channel, but fails at high load. Analysis provides insight into the difference between the standard dense random codes and sparse codes, and the limitations of optimal detection in the sparse case.