Optimization Theory
Mean field annealing
- Similar to simulated annealing, but replaces discrete degrees of freedom with averages values
- Mean field = effective field
- How does a variable/parameter/spin effect the energy?
- Calculate the interaction of a single variable and the rest of the system
- Update to “expected value” based on mean field approximation
- Details in paper… thermodynamic background helps
- Claim that equilibrium is achieved 1-2 orders faster in certain applications