Multidimensional linear diffusion for image enhancement on a type II quantum computer

Abstract

We describe how multidimensional linear diffusion with application to image processing could be carried out on a hybrid classical–quantum computer. We present the quantum-lattice-gas-based algorithms, their effective finite difference approximations and representative simulation results. The methods for two-dimensional diffusion processing are particularly relevant to image enhancement tasks. We additionally demonstrate an extension to constrained linear diffusion that provides for non-uniform image smoothing. The simulation results and accompanying analysis support the utility of both classical and classical–quantum lattice gases for image enhancement. The diffusion modelling has applicability to many other fields including biological and physical science.