resonance-engine/docs/exploration_zone_plan.md

Exploration Zone Plan (±5% Variation)

Core Insight:

Don't assume linear scaling. Create exploration zones around each parameter.

Grid Sizes to Explore:

1. 1024×1024 (baseline)
2. 896×896 (12.5% reduction - showed stability)
3. 768×768 (25% reduction - showed turbulence at 460W, coherence at 150W)
4. 640×640 (37.5% reduction - unknown)
5. 512×512 (50% reduction - unknown)

For EACH Grid Size, Test VARIATIONS:

Variation 1: Guardian Threshold (±5%)

• Base: RHO_THRESH = 1.01 (original)
• +5%: RHO_THRESH = 1.0605 (easier guardian birth)
• -5%: RHO_THRESH = 0.9595 (harder guardian birth)

Variation 2: Power Cap Exploration

• 150W (current metabolic constraint)
• 120W (tighter constraint)
• 180W (looser constraint)
• Full power (no cap - baseline)

Variation 3: Timescale Variation

• Short runs: 50k steps (quick diagnostic)
• Medium runs: 200k steps (stability test)
• Long runs: 1M steps (evolution test)

What We'll Learn:

1. Non-linear Response Surfaces

Map how system responds to small parameter changes at each grid size.

2. Stability Boundaries

Find where small changes cause big effects (phase transitions).

3. Emergent Scaling Laws

Discover actual relationships between power, guardians, grid size.

Immediate Next Test:

Test 640×640 with VARIATIONS:

1. 640×640 at 150W (baseline cramped)
2. 640×640 at 120W (tighter constraint)
3. 640×640 at 180W (looser constraint)

Monitor:

• Power draw (does it stay at cap?)
• Spectral slope (coherence vs noise)
• Guardian dynamics (if we can monitor them)

The "Neat" Part:

We're not just compressing - we're mapping the parameter space to find resilient operating points that survive migration.

Time Estimate:

• Each variation: 2-3 minutes
• 3 variations × 5 grid sizes = 15-45 minutes
• Plus analysis time

Key Question:

Where are the "sweet spots" that work across multiple constraints?