HomeSolving optimization problems on the D-wave quantum computer Purdue Experimental Mathematics Lab Spring 2026 Accepted Mathematics The D-wave quantum computer is technically a quantum annealer, simulating the Ising model in an external magnetic field. It is programmed to find its ground state energy for a given set of model parameters. It can be used to solve quadratic optimization problems that can be expressed in terms of a so-called QUBO, a quadratic unconstrained binary optimization problem. This project will explore one or several optimization problems as QUBO on the D-wave computer or on the freely available quantum simulator offered by DWave. Thomas J Sinclair Course-based, vertically-integrated research projects in mathematics. Each project will consist of a small research team consisting of typically 2-4 undergraduates, a graduate mentor, and a faculty mentor. The graduate mentor and undergraduates will meet on a weekly basis, with full team meetings every few weeks as determined by the faculty mentor. To apply include a brief (one page or less) statement explaining your interest in mathematics research. Additionally, list all mathematics courses you have taken with your grade in each one, as well as any other coursework or qualifications that you feel are pertinent. Undergraduates who have been accepted into a project must sign up for the 3-credit "Purdue Experimental Math Lab" course (currently listed under MA 490) and must pledge that they are able to dedicate 10 hours of effort per week to the project. https://www.math.purdue.edu/pxml/join-pxml.html Coding experience in Python with Jupyter notebook. Elementary understanding of Quantum Mechanics is desirable, but not necessary. 3 10 (estimated)