OpenAI reports a uniform quasipolynomial-time trace-reconstruction decoder

For every binary string of known length n and known rational deletion retention probability p, one randomized algorithm reconstructs the string with probability at least 2/3 using an explicit sample budget and bit time polynomial in that budget and the binary input length; for each fixed p, both are quasipolynomial in n.

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OpenAI reports a uniform quasipolynomial-time trace-reconstruction decoder

  • Theoretical Computer Science

For every binary string of known length n and known rational deletion retention probability p, one randomized algorithm reconstructs the string with probability at least 2/3 using an explicit sample budget and bit time polynomial in that budget and the binary input length; for each fixed p, both are quasipolynomial in n.

AI involvementAI-led
ImportanceNotable
Technical verificationReported
Human understandingFew

Understanding the problem

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For every binary string of known length n and known rational deletion retention probability p, one randomized algorithm reconstructs the string with probability at least 2/3 using an explicit sample budget and bit time polynomial in that budget and the binary input length; for each fixed p, both are quasipolynomial in n.

Why it matters

If correct, turns worst-case quasipolynomial trace sample complexity into an efficient reconstruction algorithm with uniform parameter control.

What counts as progress

Can every binary string be reconstructed from deletion traces with both quasipolynomial samples and quasipolynomial computation?

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