Enhancing Quantum Annealing via entanglement distribution

Quantum Annealing has proven to be a powerful tool to tackle several optimization problems. However, its performance is severely impacted by the limited connectivity of the underlying quantum hardware, compromising the quantum speedup. In this work, we present a novel approach to address these issues, by describing a method to implement non-local couplings throught the lens of Local Operations and Classical Communcations (LOCC). Non-local couplings are very versatile, harnessing the configurability of distributed quantum networks, which in turn lead to great enhancement of the physical connectivity of the underlying hardware. Furthermore, the realization of non-local couplings between distinct quantum annealing processors activates the scalability potential of distributed systems, i.e. allowing for a distributed quantum annealing system. Finally, in a more distant vision, we also show that secure multi-party quantum annealing algorithms are possible, allowing for cooperation of distrusting parties through optimization with quantum annealing and a particular type of non-local couplings.