Quantum community detection via deterministic elimination

We propose a quantum algorithm for calculating the structural properties of complex networks and graphs. The corresponding protocol—deteQt—is designed to perform large-scale community and botnet detection, where a specific subgraph of a larger graph is identified based on its properties. We construct a workflow relying on ground state preparation of the network modularity matrix or graph Laplacian. The corresponding maximum modularity vector is encoded into a log2⁡(�)-qubit register that contains community information. We develop a strategy for “signing” this vector via quantum signal processing, such that it closely resembles a hypergraph state, and project it onto a suitable linear combination of such states to detect botnets. As part of the workflow, and of potential independent interest, we present a readout technique that allows filtering out the incorrect solutions deterministically. This can reduce the scaling for the number of samples from exponential to polynomial. The approach serves as a building block for graph analysis with quantum speedup and enables the cybersecurity of large-scale networks.