Algorithms for triangle finding, the smallest nontrivial instance of the k-clique problem, have been proposed for quantum computers. Still, those algorithms assume the use of fixed access time quantum RAM. In this article, we present a practical gate-based approach to both the triangle-finding problem and its NP-hard k-clique generalization. We examine both constant factors for near-term implementation on a noisy intermediate scale quantum computing (NISQ) device and the scaling of the problem to evaluate long-term use of quantum computers. We compare the time complexity and circuit practicality of the theoretical approach and actual implementation. We propose and apply two different strategies to the k-clique problem, examining the circuit size of Qiskit implementations. We analyze our implementations by simulating triangle finding with various error models, observing the effect on damping the amplitude of the correct answer, and compare to execution on six real IBM quantum machines. Finally, we estimate the approximate quantum volume needed so that the smallest instance of our approach can be executable with minimal error on a real NISQ device. INDEX TERMSClique finding, graph algorithm, Grover's algorithm, noisy intermediate scale quantum computing (NISQ). Engineering uantum Transactions on IEEE Metwalli et al.: FINDING SMALL AND LARGE k-CLIQUE INSTANCES ON A QUANTUM COMPUTER

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As the scale of quantum programs grows to match that of classical software, the nascent field of quantum software engineering must mature and tools such as debuggers will become increasingly important. However, developing a quantum debugger is challenging due to the nature of a quantum computer; sneaking a peek at the value of a quantum state will cause either partial or complete collapse of the superposition and may destroy the necessary entanglement. As a first step to developing a full quantum circuit debugger, we have designed and implemented a quantum circuit debugging tool. The tool allows the user to divide the circuit vertically or horizontally into smaller chunks known as slices, and manage their simulation or execution for either interactive debugging or automated testing. The tool also enables developers to track gates within the overall circuit and each chunk to understand their behavior better. Feedback on usefulness and usability from early users shows that using the tool to slice and test their circuits has helped make the debugging process more time-efficient for them.