Solving an Open Problem in Theoretical Physics using AI-Assisted Discovery
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Abstract (arXiv)
This paper demonstrates that artificial intelligence can accelerate mathematical discovery by autonomously solving an open problem in theoretical physics. We present a neuro-symbolic system, combining the Gemini Deep Think large language model with a systematic Tree Search (TS) framework and automated numerical feedback, that successfully derived novel, exact analytical solutions for the power spectrum of gravitational radiation emitted by cosmic strings. Specifically, the agent evaluated the core integral I(N,α) for arbitrary loop geometries, directly improving upon recent AI-assisted attempts citeBCE+25 that only yielded partial asymptotic solutions. To substantiate our methodological claims regarding AI-accelerated discovery and to ensure transparency, we detail system prompts, search constraints, and intermittent feedback loops that guided the model. The agent identified a suite of 6 different analytical methods, the most elegant of which expands the kernel in Gegenbauer polynomials Cl(3/2) to naturally absorb the integrand's singularities. The methods lead to an asymptotic result for I(N,α) at large N that both agrees with numerical results and also connects to the continuous Feynman parameterization of Quantum Field Theory. We detail both the algorithmic methodology that enabled this discovery and the resulting mathematical derivations.
Key facts. Cited by 7 papers in the map (data through 7 Oct 2026). Builds on 2 of its 9 references that are in the map. First posted on arXiv 5 Mar 2026.
Builds on
2 of 9 references.
References · 2
- 2025An AI system to help scientists write expert-level empirical softwarecited by 52
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Citing papers per year: 2026: 7.
7 papers.
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- 2026Agentic Publication Protocol: An Attempt to Modernize Scientific Publication15 Jun 2026
- 2026Doubly Saturated Ramsey Graphs: A Case Study in Computer-Assisted Mathematical Discovery23 Apr 2026
- 2026Stargazer: A Scalable Model-Fitting Benchmark Environment for AI Agents under Astrophysical Constraints17 Apr 2026
- 2026The Agentification of Scientific Research: A Physicist's Perspective16 Apr 2026
- 2026k-server-bench: Automating Potential Discovery for the k-Server Conjecture8 Apr 2026
- 2026Artificial Intelligence and the Structure of Mathematics7 Apr 2026