Tensor networks for lattice gauge theories beyond one dimension
Giuseppe Magnifico, Giovanni Cataldi, Marco Rigobello, Peter Majcen, Daniel Jaschke, Pietro Silvi, Simone Montangero
Abstract
Tensor network methods are numerical tools and algorithms to study many-body quantum systems in and out of equilibrium, based on tailored variational wave functions. They have found significant applications in simulating lattice gauge theories that approach relevant problems in high-energy physics. Compared to Monte Carlo methods, they do not suffer from the sign problem, allowing them to explore challenging regimes such as finite chemical potentials and real-time dynamics. Further development is required to tackle fundamental challenges, such as accessing continuum limits or computations of large-scale quantum chromodynamics. This work reviews the state-of-the-art tensor network methods and discusses a possible roadmap for algorithmic development and strategies to enhance their capabilities and extend their applicability to open high-energy problems. We provide tailored estimates of the theoretical and computational resource scaling for attacking large-scale lattice gauge theories. Tensor networks are a powerful complementary approach to Monte Carlo methods for simulating lattice gauge theories, enabling access to challenging regimes such as real-time dynamics and finite-density systems. This work reviews the state of the art, outlines a roadmap for algorithmic developments, and provides resource estimates to guide large-scale applications in high-energy physics.