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Introduction to Tensor Networks

Loïc Herviou

Published Mar 5, 2024• 0 citations
OpenAlex

Abstract

In this informal course, I intend to give an introduction to Tensor Networks and their use for numerical simulations.The class is targeted towards PhD students and researchers with no background on the subject. The goal is for the audience to be able to concretely use TNs in their research at the end of the course.The first session will start with a quick global introduction to tensor networks, and then focus on the one-dimensional Matrix Product States (Tensor Trains).We will go through their properties, strengths and limitations, and give a few explicit examples. We will then study a few concrete time-evolution and groundstate-search algorithms for finite and infinite systems.

Related papers

Tensor Networks in a Nutshell

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Tensor network methods are taking a central role in modern quantum physics and beyond. They can provide an efficient approximation to certain classes of quantum states, and the associated graphical language makes it easy to describe and pictorially reason about quantum circuits, channels, protocols, open systems and more. Our goal is to explain tensor networks and some associated methods as quickly and as painlessly as possible. Beginning with the key definitions, the graphical tensor network language is presented through examples. We then provide an introduction to matrix product states. We conclude the tutorial with tensor contractions evaluating combinatorial counting problems. The first one counts the number of solutions for Boolean formulae, whereas the second is Penrose's tensor contraction algorithm, returning the number of $3$-edge-colorings of $3$-regular planar graphs.

arXiv:1708.00006•Jul 31, 2017•113 citations

Hand-waving and interpretive dance: an introductory course on tensor networks

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The curse of dimensionality associated with the Hilbert space of spin systems provides a significant obstruction to the study of condensed matter systems. Tensor networks have proven an important tool in attempting to overcome this difficulty in both the numerical and analytic regimes. These notes form the basis for a seven lecture course, introducing the basics of a range of common tensor networks and algorithms. In particular, we cover: introductory tensor network notation, applications to quantum information, basic properties of matrix product states, a classification of quantum phases using tensor networks, algorithms for finding matrix product states, basic properties of projected entangled pair states, and multiscale entanglement renormalisation ansatz states. The lectures are intended to be generally accessible, although the relevance of many of the examples may be lost on students without a background in many-body physics/quantum information. For each lecture, several problems are given, with worked solutions in an ancillary file.

arXiv:1603.03039•Journal of Physics A Mathematical and Theoretical•May 10, 2017•413 citations

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Situated as a language between computer science, quantum physics and mathematics, tensor network theory has steadily grown in popularity and can now be found in applications ranging across the entire field of quantum information processing. This book aims to present the best contemporary practices in the use of tensor networks as a reasoning tool, placing quantum states, operators and processes on the same compositional footing. The book has 7 parts and over 40 subsections which took shape in over a decade of teaching. In addition to covering the foundations, the book covers important applications such as matrix product states, open quantum systems and entanglement $-$ all cast into the diagrammatic tensor network language. The intended audience includes those in quantum information science wishing to learn about tensor networks. It includes scientists who have employed tensor networks in their modeling codes who have interest in the tools graphical reasoning capacity. The audience further includes the graduate student researcher, whom with some effort, should find this book accessible. I would appreciate it if you emailed me about any mistakes or typos you find.

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<!--HTML--> Abstract This talk with cover a foundational understanding of tensor networks, starting with the basics of tensors and their contractions. Students will learn simple forms of tensor networks and their connection to quantum circuits. Additionally, the course gives an example of the application of tensor networks in machine learning. By the end of the course, participants will grasp the core concepts and practical uses of tensor networks. Bio Ema is a computer scientist pursuing PhD in physics at CERN and Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, specializing in quantum and quantum-inspired algorithms for anomaly detection with applications in high-energy physics and medical imaging. Francesco is a PhD student at CERN and University of the Basque Country. He studied at KTH and Politecnico di Torino and focuses on the simulation of Quantum Matter with Tensor Network Methods and other techniques related to Quantum Computation.

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Tensor networks provide extremely powerful tools for the study of complex classical and quantum many-body problems. Over the past two decades, the increment in the number of techniques and applications has been relentless, and especially the last ten years have seen an explosion of new ideas and results that may be overwhelming for the newcomer. This short review introduces the basic ideas, the best established methods, and some of the most significant algorithmic developments that are expanding the boundaries of the tensor network potential. The goal of this review is to help the reader not only appreciate the many possibilities offered by tensor networks but also find their way through state-of-the-art codes, their applicability, and some avenues of ongoing progress.

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Tensor Network Techniques for Quantum Computation

Mario Collura, Guglielmo Lami, Nishan Ranabhat +1 more

This book serves as an introductory yet thorough guide to tensor networks and their applications in quantum computation and quantum information, designed for advanced undergraduate and graduate-level readers. In Part I, foundational topics are covered, including tensor structures and network representations like Matrix Product States (MPS) and Tree Tensor Networks (TTN). These preliminaries provide readers with the core mathematical tools and concepts necessary for quantum physics and quantum computing applications, bridging the gap between multi-linear algebra and complex quantum systems. Part II explores practical applications of tensor networks in simulating quantum dynamics, with a particular focus on the efficiency they offer for systems of high computational complexity. Key topics include Hamiltonian dynamics, quantum annealing, open system dynamics, and optimization strategies using TN frameworks. A final chapter addresses the emerging role of “quantum magic” in tensor networks. It delves into non-stabilizer states and their contribution to quantum computational power beyond classical simulability, featuring methods such as stabilizer-enhanced MPS and the Clifford-dressed TDVP. In presenting tensor networks as tools for understanding quantum complexity, this book aims to foster a deeper collaboration between the many-body physics and quantum computing communities, inviting a broader audience to engage with these recent developments.

arXiv:2503.04423•Dec 1, 2024•7 citations
In this informal course, I intend to give an introduction to Tensor Networks and their use for numerical simulations.The class is targeted towards PhD students and researchers with no background on the subject. The goal is for the audience to be able to concretely use TNs in their research at the end of the course.The first session will start with a quick global introduction to tensor networks, and then focus on the one-dimensional Matrix Product States (Tensor Trains).We will go through their properties, strengths and limitations, and give a few explicit examples. We will then study a few concrete time-evolution and groundstate-search algorithms for finite and infinite systems.
Tensor network methods are taking a central role in modern quantum physics and beyond. They can provide an efficient approximation to certain classes of quantum states, and the associated graphical language makes it easy to describe and pictorially reason about quantum circuits, channels, protocols, open systems and more. Our goal is to explain tensor networks and some associated methods as quickly and as painlessly as possible. Beginning with the key definitions, the graphical tensor network language is presented through examples. We then provide an introduction to matrix product states. We conclude the tutorial with tensor contractions evaluating combinatorial counting problems. The first one counts the number of solutions for Boolean formulae, whereas the second is Penrose's tensor contraction algorithm, returning the number of 333-edge-colorings of 333-regular planar graphs.
The curse of dimensionality associated with the Hilbert space of spin systems provides a significant obstruction to the study of condensed matter systems. Tensor networks have proven an important tool in attempting to overcome this difficulty in both the numerical and analytic regimes. These notes form the basis for a seven lecture course, introducing the basics of a range of common tensor networks and algorithms. In particular, we cover: introductory tensor network notation, applications to quantum information, basic properties of matrix product states, a classification of quantum phases using tensor networks, algorithms for finding matrix product states, basic properties of projected entangled pair states, and multiscale entanglement renormalisation ansatz states. The lectures are intended to be generally accessible, although the relevance of many of the examples may be lost on students without a background in many-body physics/quantum information. For each lecture, several problems are given, with worked solutions in an ancillary file.
Situated as a language between computer science, quantum physics and mathematics, tensor network theory has steadily grown in popularity and can now be found in applications ranging across the entire field of quantum information processing. This book aims to present the best contemporary practices in the use of tensor networks as a reasoning tool, placing quantum states, operators and processes on the same compositional footing. The book has 7 parts and over 40 subsections which took shape in over a decade of teaching. In addition to covering the foundations, the book covers important applications such as matrix product states, open quantum systems and entanglement −-− all cast into the diagrammatic tensor network language. The intended audience includes those in quantum information science wishing to learn about tensor networks. It includes scientists who have employed tensor networks in their modeling codes who have interest in the tools graphical reasoning capacity. The audience further includes the graduate student researcher, whom with some effort, should find this book accessible. I would appreciate it if you emailed me about any mistakes or typos you find.
<!--HTML--> Abstract This talk with cover a foundational understanding of tensor networks, starting with the basics of tensors and their contractions. Students will learn simple forms of tensor networks and their connection to quantum circuits. Additionally, the course gives an example of the application of tensor networks in machine learning. By the end of the course, participants will grasp the core concepts and practical uses of tensor networks. Bio Ema is a computer scientist pursuing PhD in physics at CERN and Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, specializing in quantum and quantum-inspired algorithms for anomaly detection with applications in high-energy physics and medical imaging. Francesco is a PhD student at CERN and University of the Basque Country. He studied at KTH and Politecnico di Torino and focuses on the simulation of Quantum Matter with Tensor Network Methods and other techniques related to Quantum Computation.
Tensor networks provide extremely powerful tools for the study of complex classical and quantum many-body problems. Over the past two decades, the increment in the number of techniques and applications has been relentless, and especially the last ten years have seen an explosion of new ideas and results that may be overwhelming for the newcomer. This short review introduces the basic ideas, the best established methods, and some of the most significant algorithmic developments that are expanding the boundaries of the tensor network potential. The goal of this review is to help the reader not only appreciate the many possibilities offered by tensor networks but also find their way through state-of-the-art codes, their applicability, and some avenues of ongoing progress.
This book serves as an introductory yet thorough guide to tensor networks and their applications in quantum computation and quantum information, designed for advanced undergraduate and graduate-level readers. In Part I, foundational topics are covered, including tensor structures and network representations like Matrix Product States (MPS) and Tree Tensor Networks (TTN). These preliminaries provide readers with the core mathematical tools and concepts necessary for quantum physics and quantum computing applications, bridging the gap between multi-linear algebra and complex quantum systems. Part II explores practical applications of tensor networks in simulating quantum dynamics, with a particular focus on the efficiency they offer for systems of high computational complexity. Key topics include Hamiltonian dynamics, quantum annealing, open system dynamics, and optimization strategies using TN frameworks. A final chapter addresses the emerging role of “quantum magic” in tensor networks. It delves into non-stabilizer states and their contribution to quantum computational power beyond classical simulability, featuring methods such as stabilizer-enhanced MPS and the Clifford-dressed TDVP. In presenting tensor networks as tools for understanding quantum complexity, this book aims to foster a deeper collaboration between the many-body physics and quantum computing communities, inviting a broader audience to engage with these recent developments.