Impact of bivariate gaussian potentials on quantum walks for spatial search

Abstract Quantum search algorithms are crucial for exploring large solution spaces, but their robustness to environmental perturbations, such as noise or disorder, remains a critical challenge. We examine the impact of biased disorder potentials modeled by a bivariate Gaussian distribution function on the dynamics of quantum walks in spatial search problems. Building on the Ambainis-Kempe-Rivosh (AKR) model for searching on a two-dimensional grid, we incorporate potential fields to investigate how changes in standard deviation and normalization of the bivariate Gaussian function impact the performance of the search algorithm. Our results show that the quantum walk closely mirrors the AKR algorithm when the standard deviation is small but exhibits a rapid decay in success probability as the standard deviation increases. This behavior demonstrates how the bivariate Gaussian can effectively model a noisy oracle within the AKR algorithm. Additionally, we compare the AKR-based model with an alternative quantum walk model using a Hadamard coin and standard shift. These findings contribute to understanding the robustness of quantum walk search algorithms, and provide insights into how quantum walks can be applied to optimization algorithms.