Quantum genetic selection: Using a quantum computer to select individuals in genetic algorithms

This paper proposes an innovative selection operator based on concepts from quantum mechanics. In particular, a quantum state is used to embody genetic individuals and their fitness values, and a quantum algorithm known as amplitude amplification is used to modify this state in order to create a quantum superposition in which the probability to measure an individual is related to its quality. The main peculiarity of this approach is related to the non-zero probability of selecting individuals do not belonging to the current population so as to create new genetic material and reduce the likelihood that genetic evolution will converge to local optima. The suitability of the proposed operator has been proved by an experimental session where a comparison with well-known selection methods has been carried out on a set of benchmark problems.