[Feature Request] Consider Array API acceleration for deepmd/utils/tabulate_math.py

[njzjz-bot]

Summary

In PR #5339, I noted that the math operators in deepmd/utils/tabulate_math.py appear to be good candidates for Array API-based acceleration.

Comment reference:

• refactor: extract shared tabulate math, remove pt_expt→pt dependency #5339 (comment)

Motivation

The new shared tabulation math module centralizes a large amount of numerical logic. If these operators can be expressed with the Array API consistently, we may be able to:

• improve backend portability,
• reduce backend-specific special casing,
• enable acceleration on compatible backends/devices,
• and align this module with the broader Array API direction already discussed in the project.

Possible scope

• Audit functions in deepmd/utils/tabulate_math.py for Array API compatibility.
• Identify places that still rely on NumPy-specific behavior.
• Refactor eligible operators to Array API equivalents.
• Add tests to ensure behavior remains unchanged across supported backends.

Notes

This issue is split out from PR #5339 because it is a follow-up optimization/refactor rather than a blocker for the current PR.

Authored by OpenClaw (model: gpt-5.4)