This protocol establishes the computational research programme to validate the α<1 variationalprinciple as the mechanism underlying the Yang-Mills mass gap. Building on the theoreticalframework established in SIP-PHY-02 (The Prize Paradox), we propose a three-phase latticegauge theory investigation: (1) SU(2) in 2+1 dimensions as proof-of-concept, (2) modular flowaperiodicity measurements, and (3) scaling to physical SU(3) in 3+1 dimensions. The protocolspecifies testable predictions, falsification criteria, and priority claims for the α<1-constrainedminimization approach to gauge theory ground states.
Smith et al. (Sun,) studied this question.