Optimization Performance of QA and QAOA

This white paper surveys the performance of quantum optimization solvers, specifically comparing Quantum Annealing (QA) by D-Wave and Quantum Approximate Optimization Algorithm (QAOA). It highlights empirical tests showing that QA significantly outperforms QAOA on current quantum platforms and predicts QA's continued dominance in the optimization space. The paper discusses the theoretical challenges facing QAOA and its viability as an optimization heuristic.