Seismic traveltime inversion with quantum annealing

Abstract This study demonstrates the application of quantum computing based quantum annealing to seismic traveltime inversion, a critical approach for inverting highly accurate velocity models. The seismic inversion problem is first converted into a Quadratic Unconstrained Binary Optimization proble...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Hoang Anh Nguyen, Ali Tura
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2025-05-01
Series:Scientific Reports
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-01188-8
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Summary:Abstract This study demonstrates the application of quantum computing based quantum annealing to seismic traveltime inversion, a critical approach for inverting highly accurate velocity models. The seismic inversion problem is first converted into a Quadratic Unconstrained Binary Optimization problem, which the quantum annealer is specifically designed to solve. We then solve the problem via quantum annealing method. The inversion is applied on a synthetic velocity model, presenting a carbon storage scenario at depths of 1000–1300 m. As an application example, we also show the capacity of quantum computing to handle complex, noisy data environments. This work highlights the emerging potential of quantum computing in geophysical applications, providing a foundation for future developments in high-precision seismic imaging.
ISSN:2045-2322