Quantum Annealing of a Disordered Magnet

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Traditional simulated annealing utilizes thermal fluctuations for convergence in optimization problems. Quantum tunneling provides a different mechanism for moving between states, with the potential for reduced time scales. We compare thermal and quantum annealing in a model disordered Ising magnet, LiHo0.44Y0.56F4, where the effects of quantum mechanics can be tuned in the laboratory by varying a magnetic field applied transverse to the Ising axis. Our results indicate that quantum annealing indeed hastens convergence to the optimum state.