Gaussian Process Regression for Minimum Energy Path Optimization and Transition State Search
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 5, 2026

Computation of Atmospheric Concentrations of Molecular Clusters from ab initio Thermochemistry
Published on: April 8, 2020
Alexander Denzel1, Bernard Haasdonk1, Johannes Kästner1
1Institute for Theoretical Chemistry , University of Stuttgart , Pfaffenwaldring 55 , 70569 Stuttgart , Germany.
Abstract:
We implemented a gradient-based algorithm for finding minimum energy paths (MEPs) using Gaussian process regression (GPR). A subsequent search for transition states can be performed very fast. We describe the algorithm in detail and compare its performance to the nudged elastic band (NEB) method in 27 test systems. Additionally, three different possibilities for an initial guess of the path are evaluated. We found the new optimizer to considerably decrease the number of required energy and gradient evaluations.
Related Concept Videos
Path Between Thermodynamics States
Gaussian Elimination: Problem Solving
Maxwell-Boltzmann Distribution: Problem Solving
This distribution function f(v) is defined by saying that the expected number N (v1,v2) of particles with speeds between v1 and v2 is given by
Energy Diagrams, Transition States, and Intermediates
Free Energy Changes for Nonstandard States
Entropy Change in Reversible Processes
The statement can be further generalized to prove that entropy is a state function. Take a cyclic process between any two points on a p-V diagram.

