Almost Sure Convergence

Almost sure convergence, a concept crucial in stochastic optimization and machine learning, focuses on proving that iterative algorithms will almost certainly reach a desired solution, rather than just converging in expectation. Current research emphasizes achieving high-probability convergence guarantees, particularly for algorithms like AdaGrad and Adam, even under challenging conditions such as heavy-tailed noise in stochastic gradients, often addressed through techniques like gradient clipping. This rigorous analysis is vital for ensuring the reliability and robustness of machine learning models, especially in applications like deep learning and large language models, where heavy-tailed noise is prevalent. Improved convergence guarantees enhance the trustworthiness and predictability of these algorithms in practical applications.

Papers