Adapt-VQE vs. Standard VQE

An interactive comparison of quantum optimization algorithms.

Instructions

  1. Adapt-VQE: Click the operator with the largest gradient (green) to add it to the circuit, then click "Minimize" to run the step. Repeat until the energy converges.
  2. VQE: Click "Run VQE" to run the fixed-ansatz optimization. Compare the energy curve with Adapt-VQE on the chart below.
  3. Use "Reset All" to start over and compare again.

Each An in the operator pool is an ansatz operator — a parameterized quantum gate sequence (e−iAθ). The gradient magnitude next to each indicates how much it would lower the energy if added to the circuit next. Adapt-VQE's key advantage is that it selects only the most impactful operators, building the circuit one gate at a time.

Keyboard: ESC to reset. Enter or Space to activate buttons. In Controls, ↑↓ move between Minimize and operator list.

Adapt-VQE Circuit (Grows Dynamically)

Standard VQE Circuit (Fixed Ansatz)

Controls

Operator Pool

Select an ansatz operator to append to the circuit. The number beside each An is its gradient magnitude — larger gradients indicate greater energy improvement.

Run Simulation

Energy Profile Comparison

Note: This widget is part of the CUDA-Q Academic lesson entitled "ADAPT-VQE (Chemistry Simulations)". You can learn more by visiting here.