Benchmarking universal machine learning interatomic potentials for rapid analysis of inelastic neutron scattering data

The accurate calculation of phonons and vibrational spectra remains a significant challenge, requiring highly precise evaluations of interatomic forces. Traditional methods based on the quantum description of the electronic structure, while widely used, are computationally expensive and demand subst...

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Main Authors: Bowen Han, Yongqiang Cheng
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: IOP Publishing 2025-01-01
Series:Machine Learning: Science and Technology
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1088/2632-2153/adfa68
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author Bowen Han
Yongqiang Cheng
author_facet Bowen Han
Yongqiang Cheng
author_sort Bowen Han
collection DOAJ
description The accurate calculation of phonons and vibrational spectra remains a significant challenge, requiring highly precise evaluations of interatomic forces. Traditional methods based on the quantum description of the electronic structure, while widely used, are computationally expensive and demand substantial expertise. Emerging universal machine learning interatomic potentials (uMLIPs) offer a transformative alternative by employing pre-trained neural network surrogates to predict interatomic forces directly from atomic coordinates. This approach dramatically reduces computation time and minimizes the need for technical knowledge. In this paper, we produce a phonon database comprising nearly 5000 inorganic crystals to benchmark the performance of several leading uMLIPs. We further assess these models in real-world applications by using them to analyze experimental inelastic neutron scattering data collected on a variety of materials. Through detailed comparisons, we identify the strengths and limitations of these uMLIPs, providing insights into their accuracy and suitability for fast calculations of phonons and related properties, as well as the potential for real-time interpretation of neutron scattering spectra. Our findings highlight how the rapid advancement of AI in science is revolutionizing experimental research and data analysis.
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spelling doaj-art-709ba751a85e4e23aa45b6625df9d0652025-08-21T12:56:36ZengIOP PublishingMachine Learning: Science and Technology2632-21532025-01-016303050410.1088/2632-2153/adfa68Benchmarking universal machine learning interatomic potentials for rapid analysis of inelastic neutron scattering dataBowen Han0https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1979-2402Yongqiang Cheng1https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3263-4812Neutron Scattering Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory , Oak Ridge, TN 37830, United States of AmericaNeutron Scattering Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory , Oak Ridge, TN 37830, United States of AmericaThe accurate calculation of phonons and vibrational spectra remains a significant challenge, requiring highly precise evaluations of interatomic forces. Traditional methods based on the quantum description of the electronic structure, while widely used, are computationally expensive and demand substantial expertise. Emerging universal machine learning interatomic potentials (uMLIPs) offer a transformative alternative by employing pre-trained neural network surrogates to predict interatomic forces directly from atomic coordinates. This approach dramatically reduces computation time and minimizes the need for technical knowledge. In this paper, we produce a phonon database comprising nearly 5000 inorganic crystals to benchmark the performance of several leading uMLIPs. We further assess these models in real-world applications by using them to analyze experimental inelastic neutron scattering data collected on a variety of materials. Through detailed comparisons, we identify the strengths and limitations of these uMLIPs, providing insights into their accuracy and suitability for fast calculations of phonons and related properties, as well as the potential for real-time interpretation of neutron scattering spectra. Our findings highlight how the rapid advancement of AI in science is revolutionizing experimental research and data analysis.https://doi.org/10.1088/2632-2153/adfa68phononinelastic neutron scatteringmachine learninginteratomic potential
spellingShingle Bowen Han
Yongqiang Cheng
Benchmarking universal machine learning interatomic potentials for rapid analysis of inelastic neutron scattering data
Machine Learning: Science and Technology
phonon
inelastic neutron scattering
machine learning
interatomic potential
title Benchmarking universal machine learning interatomic potentials for rapid analysis of inelastic neutron scattering data
title_full Benchmarking universal machine learning interatomic potentials for rapid analysis of inelastic neutron scattering data
title_fullStr Benchmarking universal machine learning interatomic potentials for rapid analysis of inelastic neutron scattering data
title_full_unstemmed Benchmarking universal machine learning interatomic potentials for rapid analysis of inelastic neutron scattering data
title_short Benchmarking universal machine learning interatomic potentials for rapid analysis of inelastic neutron scattering data
title_sort benchmarking universal machine learning interatomic potentials for rapid analysis of inelastic neutron scattering data
topic phonon
inelastic neutron scattering
machine learning
interatomic potential
url https://doi.org/10.1088/2632-2153/adfa68
work_keys_str_mv AT bowenhan benchmarkinguniversalmachinelearninginteratomicpotentialsforrapidanalysisofinelasticneutronscatteringdata
AT yongqiangcheng benchmarkinguniversalmachinelearninginteratomicpotentialsforrapidanalysisofinelasticneutronscatteringdata