Large step volumetric potential reduction algorithms for linear programming

Abstract

We consider the construction of potential reduction algorithms using volumetric, and mixed volumetric — logarithmic, barriers. These are true “large step” methods, where dual updates produce constant-factor reductions in the primal-dual gap. Using a mixed volumetric — logarithmic barrier we obtain an $$O(\sqrt {nmL} )$$ iteration algorithm, improving on the best previously known complexity for a large step method. Our results complement those of Vaidya and Atkinson on small step volumetric, and mixed volumetric — logarithmic, barrier function algorithms. We also obtain simplified proofs of fundamental properties of the volumetric barrier, originally due to Vaidya.