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    Variational Machine Learning Model for Electronic Structure Optimization via the Density Matrix

    Luqi Dong1, Shuxiang Yang2, Su-Huai Wei3, and Yunhao Lu1,*

    • *Contact author: luyh@zju.edu.cn

    Phys. Rev. Lett. 135, 256403 – Published 18 December, 2025

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/wl9w-8g8r

    Abstract

    We present a novel approach that combines machine learning with direct variational energy optimization via the density matrix to solve the Kohn-Sham equation in density functional theory. Instead of relying on the conventional self-consistent field method, our approach directly optimizes the ground state by predicting the density matrix using a neural network, thereby bypassing Hamiltonian matrix diagonalization. Our model employs equivariant neural networks to generate a physically constrained density matrix, enabling stable and efficient energy minimization. This method integrates the construction of training sets directly into the model training process and achieves high accuracy in predicting ground-state properties across various molecular and extended systems, thereby establishing a powerful machine learning paradigm for electronic structure optimization and paving the way for large-scale quantum simulations.

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