SIGNALAI·Jun 24, 2026, 4:00 AMSignal65Medium term

Real vs. Complex Spectral Bases for Neural Operators: The Role of Green's Function Alignment

Source: arXiv cs.LG

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Real vs. Complex Spectral Bases for Neural Operators: The Role of Green's Function Alignment

arXiv:2606.24851v1 Announce Type: new Abstract: Fourier Neural Operators (FNO) learn solution operators of partial differential equations by parameterizing global convolutions in the complex Fourier domain. For real-valued PDE solutions, the complex FFT carries representational redundancy through conjugate symmetry. We introduce the Hartley Neural Operator (HNO), the exact real-valued mirror of FNO: it replaces the FFT with the purely real Discrete Hartley Transform and learns a single real multiplier per retained spectral mode, with no complex arithmetic. Because the real Hartley spectrum is

Why this matters
Why now

The continuous evolution of AI algorithms necessitates constant optimization for real-world applications, driving research into more efficient computational methods for neural operators.

Why it’s important

This development proposes a more computationally efficient approach to neural operators, potentially reducing resource requirements for training and inference, which is crucial for scaling AI applications.

What changes

By replacing complex Fourier transforms with real-valued Hartley transforms, the Hartley Neural Operator (HNO) offers a streamlined architecture for solving PDEs with real outputs, potentially improving performance and reducing computational overhead.

Winners
  • · AI researchers
  • · Deep learning practitioners
  • · Sectors using PDE-solvers (e.g., climate modeling, fluid dynamics)
Losers
  • · Existing FNO implementations not optimized for real-valued data
Second-order effects
Direct

Improved efficiency in training and deploying deep learning models for scientific computing applications.

Second

Accelerated development of new AI-driven solutions in fields like engineering and physics due to reduced computational barriers.

Third

Potential for broader adoption of neural operators on less powerful hardware, democratizing access to advanced AI models.

Editorial confidence: 85 / 100 · Structural impact: 50 / 100
Original report

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Read at arXiv cs.LG
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