Finding eigenvectors with a quantum variational algorithm

Abstract: This paper presents a hybrid variational quantum algorithm that finds a random eigenvector of a unitary matrix with a known quantum circuit. The algorithm is based on the SWAP test on trial states generated by a parametrized quantum circuit. The eigenvector is described by a compact set of classical parameters that can be used to reproduce the found approximation to the eigenstate on demand. This variational eigenvector finder can be adapted to solve the generalized eigenvalue problem, to find the eigenvectors of normal matrices and to perform quantum principal component analysis (QPCA) on unknown input mixed states. These algorithms can all be run with low depth quantum circuits, suitable for an efficient implementation on noisy intermediate state quantum computers (NISQC) and, with some restrictions, on linear optical systems. Limitations and potential applications are discussed.