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Lijun Chen

Lijun Chen contributes to research discovery and scholarly infrastructure.

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Published work

18 published item(s)

preprint2026arXiv

On the Architectural Complexity of Neural Networks

We introduce a unified theoretical framework for the rigorous analysis and systematic construction of deep neural networks (DNNs). This framework addresses a gap in existing theory by explicitly modeling the structure of tensor operations -- lower level information that is often abstracted. Our framework enables two novel objectives: (1) analysis of the evolution of architectural complexity over deep learning history, and (2) automatic construction of novel architectures based on new types of tensor operations. Our study of DNNs introduced over the past 40 years reveals a connection between groundbreaking architectures and increases in different types of architectural complexity. Moreover, we identify several large classes of higher complexity architectures that have not yet been explored. We then collect a dataset of 3,000+ higher complexity architectures, which we publicly release at: https://github.com/combinatoriallabs/ArchitecturalComplexity.

preprint2022arXiv

An Online Joint Optimization-Estimation Architecture for Distribution Networks

In this paper, we propose an optimal control-estimation architecture for distribution networks, which jointly solves the optimal power flow (OPF) problem and static state estimation (SE) problem through an online gradient-based feedback algorithm. The main objective is to enable a fast and timely interaction between the optimal controllers and state estimators with limited sensor measurements. First, convergence and optimality of the proposed algorithm are analytically established. Then, the proposed gradient-based algorithm is modified by introducing statistical information of the inherent estimation and linearization errors for an improved and robust performance of the online control decisions. Overall, the proposed method eliminates the traditional separation of control and operation, where control and estimation usually operate at distinct layers and different time-scales. Hence, it enables a computationally affordable, efficient and robust online operational framework for distribution networks under time-varying settings.

preprint2022arXiv

CamLiFlow: Bidirectional Camera-LiDAR Fusion for Joint Optical Flow and Scene Flow Estimation

In this paper, we study the problem of jointly estimating the optical flow and scene flow from synchronized 2D and 3D data. Previous methods either employ a complex pipeline that splits the joint task into independent stages, or fuse 2D and 3D information in an "early-fusion" or "late-fusion" manner. Such one-size-fits-all approaches suffer from a dilemma of failing to fully utilize the characteristic of each modality or to maximize the inter-modality complementarity. To address the problem, we propose a novel end-to-end framework, called CamLiFlow. It consists of 2D and 3D branches with multiple bidirectional connections between them in specific layers. Different from previous work, we apply a point-based 3D branch to better extract the geometric features and design a symmetric learnable operator to fuse dense image features and sparse point features. Experiments show that CamLiFlow achieves better performance with fewer parameters. Our method ranks 1st on the KITTI Scene Flow benchmark, outperforming the previous art with 1/7 parameters. Code is available at https://github.com/MCG-NJU/CamLiFlow.

preprint2022arXiv

Experience Report: Standards-Based Grading at Scale in Algorithms

We report our experiences implementing standards-based grading at scale in an Algorithms course, which serves as the terminal required CS Theory course in our department's undergraduate curriculum. The course had 200-400 students, taught by two instructors, eight graduate teaching assistants, and supported by two additional graders and several undergraduate course assistants. We highlight the role of standards-based grading in supporting our students during the COVID-19 pandemic. We conclude by detailing the successes and adjustments we would make to the course structure.

preprint2022arXiv

Optimal Power Flow with State Estimation In the Loop for Distribution Networks

We propose a framework for integrating optimal power flow (OPF) with state estimation (SE) in the loop for distribution networks. Our approach combines a primal-dual gradient-based OPF solver with a SE feedback loop based on a limited set of sensors for system monitoring, instead of assuming exact knowledge of all states. The estimation algorithm reduces uncertainty on unmeasured grid states based on a few appropriate online state measurements and noisy "pseudo-measurements". We analyze the convergence of the proposed algorithm and quantify the statistical estimation errors based on a weighted least squares (WLS) estimator. The numerical results on a 4521-node network demonstrate that this approach can scale to extremely large networks and provide robustness to both large pseudo measurement variability and inherent sensor measurement noise.

preprint2021arXiv

Panorama: A Framework to Support Collaborative Context Monitoring on Co-Located Mobile Devices

A key challenge in wide adoption of sophisticated context-aware applications is the requirement of continuous sensing and context computing. This paper presents Panorama, a middleware that identifies collaboration opportunities to offload context computing tasks to nearby mobile devices as well as cloudlets/cloud. At the heart of Panorama is a multi-objective optimizer that takes into account different constraints such as access cost, computation capability, access latency, energy consumption and data privacy, and efficiently computes a collaboration plan optimized simultaneously for different objectives such as minimizing cost, energy and/or execution time. Panorama provides support for discovering nearby devices and cloudlets/cloud, computing an optimal collaboration plan, distributing computation to participating devices, and getting the results back. The paper provides an extensive evaluation of Panorama via two representative context monitoring applications over a set of Android devices and a cloudlet/cloud under different constraints.

preprint2021arXiv

Smoothed Least-Laxity-First Algorithm for EV Charging

Adaptive charging can charge electric vehicles (EVs) at scale cost effectively, despite the uncertainty in EV arrivals. We formulate adaptive EV charging as a feasibility problem that meets all EVs' energy demands before their deadlines while satisfying constraints in charging rate and total charging power. We propose an online algorithm, smoothed least-laxity-first (sLLF), that decides the current charging rates without the knowledge of future arrivals and demands. We characterize the performance of the sLLF algorithm analytically and numerically. Numerical experiments with real-world data show that it has a significantly higher rate of feasible EV charging than several other existing EV charging algorithms. Resource augmentation framework is employed to assess the feasibility condition of the algorithm. The assessment shows that the sLLF algorithm achieves perfect feasibility with only a 0.07 increase in resources.

preprint2020arXiv

100Mbps Reconciliation for Quantum Key Distribution Using a Single Graphics Processing Unit

An efficient error reconciliation scheme is important for post-processing of quantum key distribution (QKD). Recently, a multi-matrix low-density parity-check codes based reconciliation algorithm which can provide remarkable perspectives for high efficiency information reconciliation was proposed. This paper concerns the improvement of reconciliation performance. Multi-matrix algorithm is implemented and optimized on the graphics processing unit (GPU) to obtain high reconciliation throughput. Experimental results indicate that GPU-based algorithm can highly improve reconciliation throughput to an average 85.67 Mbps and a maximum 102.084 Mbps with typical code rate and efficiency. This is the best performance of reconciliation on GPU platform to our knowledge.

preprint2020arXiv

A Smoothed Analysis of Online Lasso for the Sparse Linear Contextual Bandit Problem

We investigate the sparse linear contextual bandit problem where the parameter $θ$ is sparse. To relieve the sampling inefficiency, we utilize the "perturbed adversary" where the context is generated adversarilly but with small random non-adaptive perturbations. We prove that the simple online Lasso supports sparse linear contextual bandit with regret bound $\mathcal{O}(\sqrt{kT\log d})$ even when $d \gg T$ where $k$ and $d$ are the number of effective and ambient dimension, respectively. Compared to the recent work from Sivakumar et al. (2020), our analysis does not rely on the precondition processing, adaptive perturbation (the adaptive perturbation violates the i.i.d perturbation setting) or truncation on the error set. Moreover, the special structures in our results explicitly characterize how the perturbation affects exploration length, guide the design of perturbation together with the fundamental performance limit of perturbation method. Numerical experiments are provided to complement the theoretical analysis.

preprint2020arXiv

Gradient-Based Multi-Area Distribution System State Estimation

The increasing distributed and renewable energy resources and controllable devices in distribution systems make fast distribution system state estimation (DSSE) crucial in system monitoring and control. We consider a large multi-phase distribution system and formulate DSSE as a weighted least squares (WLS) problem. We divide the large distribution system into smaller areas of subtree structure, and by jointly exploring the linearized power flow model and the network topology, we propose a gradient-based multi-area algorithm to exactly and efficiently solve the WLS problem. The proposed algorithm enables distributed and parallel computation of the state estimation problem without compromising any performance. Numerical results on a 4,521-node test feeder show that the designed algorithm features fast convergence and accurate estimation results. Comparison with traditional Gauss-Newton method shows that the proposed method has much better performance in distribution systems with a limited amount of reliable measurement. The real-time implementation of the algorithm tracks time-varying system states with high accuracy.

preprint2020arXiv

Multi-Level Optimal Power Flow Solver in Large Distribution Networks

Solving optimal power flow (OPF) problems for large distribution networks incurs high computational complexity. We consider a large multi-phase distribution network of tree topology with a deep penetration of active devices. We divide the network into collaborating areas featuring subtree topology and subareas featuring subsubtree topology. We design a multi-level implementation of the primal-dual gradient algorithm to solve the voltage regulation OPF problems while preserving nodal voltage information and topological information within areas and subareas. Numerical results on a 4,521-node system verify that the proposed algorithm can significantly improve the computational speed without compromising any optimality.

preprint2020arXiv

Multi-matrix rate-compatible reconciliation for quantum key distribution

Key reconciliation of quantum key distribution (QKD) is the process of correcting errors caused by channel noise and eavesdropper to identify the keys of two legitimate users. Reconciliation efficiency is the most important figure for judging the quality of a reconciliation scheme. To improve reconciliation efficiency, rate-compatible technologies was proposed for key reconciliation, which is denoted as the single-matrix ratecompatible reconciliation (SRCR). In this paper, a recently suggested technique called multi-matrix reconciliation is introduced into SRCR, which is referred to as the multi-matrix rate-compatible reconciliation (MRCR), to further improve reconciliation efficiency and promote the throughput of SRCR. Simulation results show that MRCR we proposed outperforms SRCR in reconciliation efficiency and throughput.

preprint2020arXiv

Phenomenology of complex structured light in turbulent air

The study of light propagation has been a cornerstone of progress in physics and technology. Recently, advances in control and shaping of light have created significant interest in the propagation of complex structures of light -- particularly under realistic terrestrial conditions. While theoretical understanding of this research question has significantly grown over the last two decades, outdoor-experiments with complex light structures are rare, and comparisons with theory have been nearly lacking. Such situations show a significant gap between theoretical models of atmospheric light behaviour and current experimental effort. Here, in an attempt to reduce this gap, we describe an interesting result of atmospheric models which are feasible for empirical observation. We analyze in detail light propagation in different spatial bases and present results of the theory that the influence of atmospheric turbulence is basis-dependent. Concretely, light propagating as eigenstate in one complete basis is stronger influenced by atmosphere than light propagating in a different, complete basis. We obtain these results by exploiting a family of the continuously adjustable, complete basis of spatial modes -- the Ince-Gauss modes. Our concrete numerical results will hopefully inspire experimental efforts and bring the theoretical and empirical study of complex light patterns in realistic scenarios closer together.

preprint2020arXiv

Quantum Experiments and Hypergraphs: Multi-Photon Sources for Quantum Interference, Quantum Computation and Quantum Entanglement

We introduce the concept of hypergraphs to describe quantum optical experiments with probabilistic multi-photon sources. Every hyperedge represents a correlated photon source, and every vertex stands for an optical output path. Such general graph description provides new insights for producing complex high-dimensional multi-photon quantum entangled states, which go beyond limitations imposed by pair creation via spontaneous parametric down-conversion. Furthermore, properties of hypergraphs can be investigated experimentally. For example, the NP-Complete problem of deciding whether a hypergraph has a perfect matchin can be answered by experimentally detecting multi-photon events in quantum experiments. By introducing complex weights in hypergraphs, we show a general many-particle quantum interference and manipulating entanglement in a pictorial way. Our work paves the path for the development of multi-photon high-dimensional state generation and might inspire new applications of quantum computations using hypergraph mappings.

preprint2020arXiv

Solving Optimal Power Flow for Distribution Networks with State Estimation Feedback

Conventional optimal power flow (OPF) solvers assume full observability of the involved system states. However, in practice, there is a lack of reliable system monitoring devices in the distribution networks. To close the gap between the theoretic algorithm design and practical implementation, this work proposes to solve the OPF problems based on the state estimation (SE) feedback for the distribution networks where only a part of the involved system states are physically measured. The SE feedback increases the observability of the under-measured system and provides more accurate system states monitoring when the measurements are noisy. We analytically investigate the convergence of the proposed algorithm. The numerical results demonstrate that the proposed approach is more robust to large pseudo measurement variability and inherent sensor noise in comparison to the other frameworks without SE feedback.

preprint2020arXiv

Towards Scalable Koopman Operator Learning: Convergence Rates and A Distributed Learning Algorithm

We propose an alternating optimization algorithm to the nonconvex Koopman operator learning problem for nonlinear dynamic systems. We show that the proposed algorithm will converge to a critical point with rate $O(1/T)$ and $O(\frac{1}{\log T})$ for the constant and diminishing learning rates, respectively, under some mild conditions. To cope with the high dimensional nonlinear dynamical systems, we present the first-ever distributed Koopman operator learning algorithm. We show that the distributed Koopman operator learning has the same convergence properties as the centralized Koopman operator learning, in the absence of optimal tracker, so long as the basis functions satisfy a set of state-based decomposition conditions. Numerical experiments are provided to complement our theoretical results.

preprint2019arXiv

Accelerated Voltage Regulation in Multi-Phase Distribution Networks Based on Hierarchical Distributed Algorithm

We propose a hierarchical distributed algorithm to solve optimal power flow (OPF) problems that aim at dispatching controllable distributed energy resources (DERs) for voltage regulation at minimum cost. The proposed algorithm features unprecedented scalability to large multi-phase distribution networks by jointly exploring the tree/subtrees structure of a large radial distribution network and the structure of the linearized distribution power flow (LinDistFlow) model to derive a hierarchical, distributed implementation of the primal-dual gradient algorithm that solves OPF. The proposed implementation significantly reduces the computation loads compared to the centrally coordinated implementation of the same primal-dual algorithm without compromising optimality. Numerical results on a 4,521-node test feeder show that the designed algorithm achieves more than 10-fold acceleration in the speed of convergence compared to the centrally coordinated primal-dual algorithm through reducing and distributing computational loads.

preprint2018arXiv

Reverse and Forward Engineering of Local Voltage Control in Distribution Networks

The increasing penetration of renewable and distributed energy resources in distribution networks calls for real-time and distributed voltage control. In this paper we investigate local Volt/VAR control with a general class of control functions, and show that the power system dynamics with non-incremental local voltage control can be seen as distributed algorithm for solving a well-defined optimization problem (reverse engineering). The reverse engineering further reveals a fundamental limitation of the non-incremental voltage control: the convergence condition is restrictive and prevents better voltage regulation at equilibrium. This motivates us to design two incremental local voltage control schemes based on the subgradient and pseudo-gradient algorithms respectively for solving the same optimization problem (forward engineering). The new control schemes decouple the dynamical property from the equilibrium property, and have much less restrictive convergence conditions. This work presents another step towards developing a new foundation -- network dynamics as optimization algorithms -- for distributed realtime control and optimization of future power networks.