[Paper Reading] Advancing Semantic Caching for LLMs with Domain-Specific Embeddings and Synthetic Data

​Details

​We will be reading this paper with potentially practical applications: https://arxiv.org/abs/2504.02268

​Title: Advancing Semantic Caching for LLMs with Domain-Specific Embeddings and Synthetic Data

​Abstract:

​This report investigates enhancing semantic caching effectiveness by employing specialized, fine-tuned embedding models. Semantic caching relies on embedding similarity rather than exact key matching, presenting unique challenges in balancing precision, query latency, and computational efficiency. We propose leveraging smaller, domain-specific embedding models, fine-tuned with targeted real-world and synthetically generated datasets. Our empirical evaluations demonstrate that compact embedding models fine-tuned for just one epoch on specialized datasets significantly surpass both state-of-the-art open-source and proprietary alternatives in precision and recall. Moreover, we introduce a novel synthetic data generation pipeline for the semantic cache that mitigates the challenge of limited domain-specific annotated data, further boosting embedding performance. Our approach effectively balances computational overhead and accuracy, establishing a viable and efficient strategy for practical semantic caching implementations.
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​We are a group of applied AI practitioners and enthusiasts who have formed a collective learning community. Every Wednesday evening at PM PST, we hold our research paper reading seminar covering an AI topic. One member carefully explains the paper, making it more accessible to a broader audience. Then, we follow this reading with a more informal discussion and socializing.

​You are welcome to join this in person or over Zoom. SupportVectors is an AI training lab located in Fremont, CA, close to Tesla and easily accessible by road and BART. We follow the weekly sessions with snacks, soft drinks, and informal discussions.

​If you want to attend by Zoom, the Zoom registration link will be visible once you RSVP. Note that we have had to change and add security to the Zoom link to prevent Zoom bombing.