Exploring Graph Theory-Based Quantum Models

QGNN·QAOA Experimental Research Project

Yonsei University Graph Theory Team Project

Project Overview

This research explores Quantum Graph Neural Networks (QGNN) to overcome the classical limitations of Graph Neural Networks (GNN). We construct richer representation spaces through quantum superposition and entanglement, and implement Variational Quantum Algorithms (VQA) applicable to NISQ devices.

Key Experiments

🔬

Experiment 1: Isomorphism Verification

1-WL vs EQGC Quantum Invariants

Testing EQGC-based quantum invariants' ability to distinguish SRG pairs that 1-WL test cannot differentiate

  • Toy Case: Successfully distinguished Cycle6 + chord
  • SRG Case: Partial separation of Rook vs Shrikhande
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Experiment 2: Laplacian λ₂ Approximation

Classical vs VQE-style Surrogate

Comparing algebraic connectivity λ₂ using classical power method and quantum circuit-based surrogate

  • Classical λ₂: 3.6180 (stable convergence)
  • VQE Surrogate: Loss → 0 convergence confirmed

Experiment 3: QAOA Optimization

Max-Cut Problem & Noise Analysis

Max-Cut optimization using QAOA and impact analysis of depolarizing/amplitude damping noise

  • p=1 structure: ~57% stable performance
  • Noisy environment: Significant performance degradation

Key Achievements

3

Core Experiments

Isomorphism, Laplacian, QAOA tests

1-WL

Limitation Overcome

SRG distinction via EQGC confirmed

NISQ

Practicality Verified

Performance analysis in noisy environments

Conclusions & Significance

🎯 Research Achievements

Empirically confirmed that quantum circuits can capture structural information different from classical message-passing approaches.

🔍 Technical Insights

QGNN shows potential to complement classical GNN expressiveness limitations, but technical challenges like noise, scale, and learning plateaus need resolution.

🚀 Future Directions

Verification of QGNN's practical applicability through real quantum hardware experiments and development of error mitigation techniques.