English

A CLuP algorithm to practically achieve $\sim 0.76$ SK--model ground state free energy

Disordered Systems and Neural Networks 2025-07-15 v1 Information Theory math.IT Optimization and Control Machine Learning

Abstract

We consider algorithmic determination of the nn-dimensional Sherrington-Kirkpatrick (SK) spin glass model ground state free energy. It corresponds to a binary maximization of an indefinite quadratic form and under the \emph{worst case} principles of the classical NP complexity theory it is hard to approximate within a log(n)const.\log(n)^{const.} factor. On the other hand, the SK's random nature allows (polynomial) spectral methods to \emph{typically} approach the optimum within a constant factor. Naturally one is left with the fundamental question: can the residual (constant) \emph{computational gap} be erased? Following the success of \emph{Controlled Loosening-up} (CLuP) algorithms in planted models, we here devise a simple practical CLuP-SK algorithmic procedure for (non-planted) SK models. To analyze the \emph{typical} success of the algorithm we associate to it (random) CLuP-SK models. Further connecting to recent random processes studies [94,97], we characterize the models and CLuP-SK algorithm via fully lifted random duality theory (fl RDT) [98]. Moreover, running the algorithm we demonstrate that its performance is in an excellent agrement with theoretical predictions. In particular, already for nn on the order of a few thousands CLuP-SK achieves 0.76\sim 0.76 ground state free energy and remarkably closely approaches theoretical nn\rightarrow\infty limit 0.763\approx 0.763. For all practical purposes, this renders computing SK model's near ground state free energy as a \emph{typically} easy problem.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.2507.09247,
  title  = {A CLuP algorithm to practically achieve $\sim 0.76$ SK--model ground state free energy},
  author = {Mihailo Stojnic},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2507.09247},
  year   = {2025}
}
R2 v1 2026-07-01T03:57:52.963Z