Not-so-adiabatic quantum computation for the shortest vector problem

Abstract

Since quantum computers are known to break the vast majority of currently used cryptographic protocols, a variety of new protocols are being developed that are conjectured, but not proved, to be safe against quantum attacks. Among the most promising is lattice-based cryptography, where security relies upon problems like the shortest vector problem. We analyze the potential of adiabatic quantum computation for attacks on lattice-based cryptography, and give numerical evidence that even outside the adiabatic regime such methods can facilitate the solution of the shortest vector and similar problems.