Quantum annealing of a disordered magnet

Traditional simulated annealing uses thermal fluctuations for convergence i n optimization problems. Quantum tunneling provides a different mechanism f or moving between states, with the potential for reduced time scales. Therm al and quantum annealing are compared in a model disordered magnet, where t he effects of quantum mechanics can be tuned by varying an applied magnetic field. The results indicate that quantum annealing hastens convergence to the optimum state.