arXiv:2511.00674math.OCcs.AI2025-11被引 28

提出各向同性曲率模型,揭示梯度正交化在优化中的方向正确性但非最优。

Isotropic Curvature Model for Understanding Deep Learning Optimization: Is Gradient Orthogonalization Optimal?

  • 基于权重矩阵结构与损失函数各向同性曲率假设,构建可分析的凸优化模型。
  • 在曲率增长条件下,最优更新矩阵需使梯度奇异值更均匀,改善条件数。
  • 证明梯度正交化方向正确但非严格最优,适用于语言模型优化方法设计。

本文提出一种用于分析单步深度学习优化的各向同性曲率模型,该模型基于权重矩阵结构,并假设损失函数的二阶海森矩阵及高阶项在所有扰动方向上具有各向同性曲率。该模型为一个可分析的凸优化问题,能够揭示权重更新矩阵与总损失变化之间的关系。作为应用,我们用该模型分析了近期提出的Muon优化器及其他矩阵梯度方法在训练语言模型中的表现。首先,在一般曲率增长条件下,最优更新矩阵通过使原始梯度矩阵的谱更均匀(即奇异值比更接近)实现,从而改善更新矩阵的条件数。其次,当曲率出现增长相变时,正交化梯度成为该模型下的最优解。综合结果表明,Muon等方法采用的梯度正交化方向正确,但并非严格最优。最后,讨论了如何利用该模型设计新型深度学习与语言模型优化方法。

原文摘要 · Abstract (English)

In this paper, we introduce a model for analyzing deep learning optimization over a single iteration by leveraging the matrix structure of the weights. We derive the model by assuming isotropy of curvature, including the second-order Hessian and higher-order terms, of the loss function across all perturbation directions; hence, we call it the isotropic curvature model. This model is a convex optimization program amenable to analysis, which allows us to understand how an update on the weights in the form of a matrix relates to the change in the total loss function. As an application, we use the isotropic curvature model to analyze the recently introduced Muon optimizer and other matrix-gradient methods for training language models. First, we show that under a general growth condition on the curvature, the optimal update matrix is obtained by making the spectrum of the original gradient matrix more homogeneous -- that is, making its singular values closer in ratio -- which in particular improves the conditioning of the update matrix. Next, we show that the orthogonalized gradient becomes optimal for the isotropic curvature model when the curvature exhibits a phase transition in growth. Taken together, these results suggest that the gradient orthogonalization employed in Muon and other related methods is directionally correct but may not be strictly optimal. Finally, we discuss future research on how to leverage the isotropic curvature model for designing new optimization methods for training deep learning and language models.

优化器梯度正交曲率分析语言模型

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