Loop calculus in statistical physics and information science.
Considering a discrete and finite statistical model of a general position we introduce an exact expression for the partition function in terms of a finite series. The leading term in the series is the Bethe-Peierls (belief propagation) (BP) contribution; the rest are expressed as loop contributions on the factor graph and calculated directly using the BP solution. The series unveils a small parameter that often makes the BP approximation so successful. Applications of the loop calculus in statistical physics and information science are discussed.
Chertkov
Michael
M
Theoretical Division and Center for Nonlinear Studies, LANL, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545, USA.
Chernyak
Vladimir Y
VY