Tensor network states, such as the matrix product state (MPS), projected entangled-pair states (PEPS), and the multi-scale entanglement renormalization ansatz (MERA), can be used to efficiently represent the ground state of quantum many-body Hamiltonians on a lattice. In this way, they provide a novel theoretical framework to characterize phases of quantum matter, while also being the basis for powerful numerical approaches to strongly interacting systems on the lattice.

The goal of this meeting is to discuss recent extensions of tensor network techniques to continuous systems. Continuous MPS and continuous MERA can tackle quantum field theories directly, without the need to put them on the lattice. Therefore they offer a non-perturbative, variational approach to QFT, with plenty of potential applications. On the other hand, the proposal of continuous MERA makes previous hand-waving arguments that the MERA is a lattice realization of the AdS/CFT correspondence ever more intriguing.

Pedagogical talks will be directed to introducing the subject to (PI resident) quantum field/string theorists. Discussions with the latter will aim at identifying future applications and challenges.

Click here to view conference talks on PIRSA .

Scientific Organizers:
Guifre Vidal, Perimeter Institute
Frank Verstraete, University of Vienna