Bridge Matching Sampler: Scalable Sampling via Generalized Fixed-Point Diffusion Matching
On the map: Diffusion models → Flow matching, time series and science
Abstract (arXiv)
Sampling from unnormalized densities using diffusion models has emerged as a powerful paradigm. However, while recent approaches that use least-squares `matching' objectives have improved scalability, they often necessitate significant trade-offs, such as restricting prior distributions or relying on unstable optimization schemes. By generalizing these methods as special forms of fixed-point iterations rooted in Nelson's relation, we develop a new method that addresses these limitations, called Bridge Matching Sampler (BMS). Our approach enables learning a stochastic transport map between arbitrary prior and target distributions with a single, scalable, and stable objective. Furthermore, we introduce a damped variant of this iteration that incorporates a regularization term to mitigate mode collapse and further stabilize training. Empirically, we demonstrate that our method enables sampling at unprecedented scales while preserving mode diversity, achieving state-of-the-art results on complex synthetic densities and high-dimensional molecular benchmarks.
Key facts. Cited by 7 papers in the map (data through 7 Oct 2026). Placed in Flow matching, time series and science, one of 14 directions in Diffusion models. Builds on 64 of its 87 references that are in the map. First posted on arXiv 28 Feb 2026.
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Other references · 63
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Citing papers per year: 2026: 7.
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