Visualizing theory space: Isometric embedding of probabilistic predictions, from the Ising model to the cosmic microwave background

ORAL

Abstract

We develop an intensive embedding for visualizing the space of all predictions for probabalistic models, using replica theory. Our embedding is isometric (preserves the distinguishability between models) and faithful (yields low-dimensional visualizations of models with simple emergent behavior). We apply our intensive embedding to the Ising model of statistical mechanics and the ΛCDM model applied to cosmic microwave background radiation. It provides an intuitive, quantitative visualization applicable to renormalization-group calculations and optimal experimental design.

*KNQ was supported by a fellowship from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), and JPS and KNQ were supported by the National Science Foundation through grant NSF DMR-1312160 and DMR-1719490. MDN was supported by NSF grant AST-1454881

Presenters

  • Katherine Quinn

    • Physics, Cornell University

Authors

  • Katherine Quinn

    • Physics, Cornell University
  • Francesco De Bernardis

    • Physics, Cornell University
  • Michael Niemack

    • Physics, Cornell University
  • James Sethna

    • Cornell University
    • Laboratory of Atomic and Solid State Physics, Cornell University
    • Physics, Cornell University