Quantum walk search based edge detection of images

Abstract: Quantum walk has emerged as an essential tool for searching marked vertices on various graphs. Recent advances in the discrete-time quantum walk search algorithm have enabled it to effectively handle multiple marked vertices, expanding its range of applications further. In this article, we propose a novel application of this advanced quantum walk search algorithm for the edge detection of images\textemdash a critical task in digital image processing. Given the probabilistic nature of quantum computing, obtaining measurement result with a high success probability is essential alongside faster computation time. Our quantum walk search algorithm demonstrates a high success probability in detecting the image edges compared to the existing quantum edge detection methods and outperforms classical edge detection methods with a quadratically faster speed. A small Qiskit circuit implementation of our method using a one-dimensional quantum walk search has been executed in Qiskit's $qasm_simulator$ and $ibm_sydney(fake)$ device.