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Variational quantum algorithms stand at the forefront of simulations on near-term and future fault-tolerant quantum devices. While most variational quantum algorithms involve only continuous optimization variables, the representational power of the variational ansatz can sometimes be significantly enhanced by adding certain discrete optimization variables, as is exemplified by the generalized quantum approximate optimization algorithm (QAOA). However, the hybrid discretecontinuous optimization problem in the generalized QAOA poses a challenge to the optimization. We propose a new algorithm called MCTS-QAOA, which combines a Monte Carlo tree search method with an improved natural policy gradient solver to optimize the discrete and continuous variables in the quantum circuit, respectively. We find that MCTS-QAOA has excellent noiseresilience properties and outperforms prior algorithms in challenging instances of the generalized QAOA.

Quantum phase estimation is one of the key building blocks of quantum computing. For early fault-tolerant quantum devices, it is desirable for a quantum phase estimation algorithm to (1) use a minimal number of ancilla qubits, (2) allow for inexact initial states with a significant mismatch, (3) achieve the Heisenberg limit for the total resource used, and (4) have a diminishing prefactor for the maximum circuit length when the overlap between the initial state and the target state approaches one. In this paper, we prove that an existing algorithm from quantum metrology can achieve the first three requirements. As a second contribution, we propose a modified version of the algorithm that also meets the fourth requirement, which makes it particularly attractive for early fault-tolerant quantum devices.2010 Mathematics Subject Classification. 81P60. Key words and phrases. Quantum phase estimation, early fault-tolerant quantum devices. We thank Lin Lin for communicating the recent development of quantum phase estimation.

Policy gradient algorithms have been widely applied to reinforcement learning (RL) problems in recent years. Regularization with various entropy functions is often used to encourage exploration and improve stability. In this paper, we propose a quasi-Newton method for the policy gradient algorithm with entropy regularization. In the case of Shannon entropy, the resulting algorithm reproduces the natural policy gradient (NPG) algorithm. For other entropy functions, this method results in brand new policy gradient algorithms. We provide a simple proof that all these algorithms enjoy the Newton-type quadratic convergence near the optimal policy. Using synthetic and industrial-scale examples, we demonstrate that the proposed quasi-Newton method typically converges in single-digit iterations, often orders of magnitude faster than other state-of-the-art algorithms.

Block encoding lies at the core of many existing quantum algorithms. Meanwhile, efficient and explicit block encodings of dense operators are commonly acknowledged as a challenging problem. This paper presents a comprehensive study of the block encoding of a rich family of dense operators: the pseudo-differential operators (PDOs). First, a block encoding scheme for generic PDOs is developed. Then we propose a more efficient scheme for PDOs with a separable structure. Finally, we demonstrate an explicit and efficient block encoding algorithm for PDOs with a dimension-wise fully separable structure. Complexity analysis is provided for all block encoding algorithms presented. The application of theoretical results is illustrated with worked examples, including the representation of variable coefficient elliptic operators and the computation of the inverse of elliptic operators without invoking quantum linear system algorithms (QLSAs).

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