CFTD from TQFTD+1 via Holographic Tensor Network, and Precision Discretization of CFT2

Abstract

We show that the path integral of conformal field theories in D dimensions (CFTD) can be constructed by solving for eigenstates of a renormalization group (RG) operator following from the Turaev-Viro formulation of a topological field theory (topological quantum field theory) (TQFT) in D+1 dimensions (TQFTD+1), explicitly realizing the holographic sandwich relation between a symmetric theory and a TQFT. Generically, exact eigenstates corresponding to symmetric TQFTD follow from Frobenius algebra in TQFTD+1. For D=2, we construct eigenstates that produce 2D rational CFT path integrals exactly, which curiously connect a continuous-field theoretic path integral with the Turaev-Viro state sum. We also devise and illustrate numerical methods for D=2, 3 to search for CFTD as phase transition points between symmetric TQFTD. Finally, since the RG operator is in fact an exact analytic holographic tensor network, we compute “bulk-boundary” correlators and compare them with the AdS/CFT dictionary at D=2. Promisingly, they are numerically compatible given our accuracy, although further works will be needed to explore the precise connection to the AdS/CFT correspondence. Published by the American Physical Society 2024