aiqbench analysis
This research introduces ICF-DLM, the first language model-based predictor designed specifically for inertial confinement fusion, addressing critical challenges like temporal sparsity and extreme data scarcity. By integrating physics-informed decomposition with bidirectional denoising techniques, the model significantly reduces peak-timing errors compared to standard autoregressive LLMs and classical sequence models. The methodology offers a promising framework for applying large language models to other scientific domains characterized by low-data regimes and sparse event detection.
Decomposition-Guided Diffusion Language Models for Inertial Confinement Fusion Prediction
arXiv:2609.07756v1 Announce Type: new Abstract: Inertial confinement fusion (ICF) is a leading pathway toward clean energy, but each shot at the National Ignition Facility costs on the order of one million dollars, making accurate AI surrogates a high-value target. We study exogenous-driven ICF waveform prediction, where a 512-step neutron-rate diagnostic must be inferred directly from a laser pulse and target design parameters, with no historical response observed. The regime stresses standard time-series predictors with temporal sparsity (picosecond peak in a nanosecond window), input-output scale mismatch (under 300 real shots), and peak sensitivity (picosecond timing). We propose ICF-DLM, to our knowledge the first LM-based ICF predictor, combining (i) a physics-typed decomposition into yield $Y_{DT}$, peak timing $t_{\mathrm{peak}}$, and local waveform $w_{\mathrm{local}}$; (ii) bidirectional denoising that defers commitment to peak location; and (iii) a physics-driven PPO reward re-injecting metric structure across numeric tokens. On ICFBench (50K simulations + 232 experimental shots), ICF-DLM cuts peak-timing error from 11.6 to 9.2 steps over a matched autoregressive LLaMA-3-8B and outperforms classical sequence models and LLM-based time-series predictors. Beyond ICF, the recipe shows potential to address science domains with low data and sparse events.
Abstract:Inertial confinement fusion (ICF) is a leading pathway toward clean energy, but each shot at the National Ignition Facility costs on the order of one million dollars, making accurate AI surrogates a high-value target. We study exogenous-driven ICF waveform prediction, where a 512-step neutron-rate diagnostic must be inferred directly from a laser pulse and target design parameters, with no historical response observed. The regime stresses standard time-series predictors with temporal sparsity (picosecond peak in a nanosecond window), input-output scale mismatch (under 300 real shots), and peak sensitivity (picosecond timing). We propose ICF-DLM, to our knowledge the first LM-based ICF predictor, combining (i) a physics-typed decomposition into yield $Y_{DT}$, peak timing $t_{\mathrm{peak}}$, and local waveform $w_{\mathrm{local}}$; (ii) bidirectional denoising that defers commitment to peak location; and (iii) a physics-driven PPO reward re-injecting metric structure across numeric tokens. On ICFBench (50K simulations + 232 experimental shots), ICF-DLM cuts peak-timing error from 11.6 to 9.2 steps over a matched autoregressive LLaMA-3-8B and outperforms classical sequence models and LLM-based time-series predictors. Beyond ICF, the recipe shows potential to address science domains with low data and sparse events.
Machine Learning (cs.LG)
arXiv:2609.07756 [cs.LG]
(or arXiv:2609.07756v1 [cs.LG] for this version)
https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2609.07756 Focus to learn more arXiv-issued DOI via DataCite (pending registration)
arXivLabs is a framework that allows collaborators to develop and share new arXiv features directly on our website.
Both individuals and organizations that work with arXivLabs have embraced and accepted our values of openness, community, excellence, and user data privacy. arXiv is committed to these values and only works with partners that adhere to them.
Have an idea for a project that will add value for arXiv's community? Learn more about arXivLabs.
Full text under the publisher's open licence · 277 words
Related coverage
Adaptive Conformal Prediction for Image Regression Models with Application to an Inertial Confinement Fusion Emulator
arXiv · Oct 2, 2026
Who Should Lead Decoding Now? Tracking Reliable Trajectories for Ensembling Masked Diffusion Language Models
arXiv · Jun 17, 2026
Multi-Agent Collaboration for Automated Design Exploration on High Performance Computing Systems
arXiv · Sep 16, 2026
[AINews] Claude Opus 5.5, the new default model for AINews — and everybody cuts prices 40-50%
Latent Space · Sep 23, 2026