Variance reduction in lattice QCD observables via normalizing flows
Abstract
Normalizing flows can be used to construct unbiased, reduced-variance estimators for lattice field theory observables that are defined by a derivative with respect to action parameters. This work implements the approach for observables involving gluonic operator insertions in the SU(3) Yang-Mills theory and two-flavor QCD in four space-time dimensions. Variance reduction by factors of 10–60 is achieved in glueball correlation functions and in gluonic matrix elements related to hadron structure, with demonstrated computational advantages. The observed variance reduction is found to be approximately independent of the lattice volume, so volume transfer can be utilized to minimize training costs.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Quantum Chromodynamics and Particle Interactions
High-Energy Particle Collisions Research
Particle physics theoretical and experimental studies
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Physical review. D/Physical review. D.
- Publisher
- American Physical Society (APS)
- Volume
- 114
- Issue
- 1
- Publication date
- 1 June 2026
- Language
- EN