CFT$_D$ from TQFT$_{D+1}$ via Holographic Tensor Network, and Precision Discretisation of CFT$_2$

Abstract

We show that the path-integral of conformal field theories in $D$ dimensions (CFT$_D$) can be constructed by solving for eigenstates of an RG operator following from the Turaev-Viro formulation of a topological field theory in $D+1$ dimensions (TQFT$_{D+1}$), explicitly realising the holographic sandwich relation between a symmetric theory and a TQFT. Generically, exact eigenstates corresponding to symmetric-TQFT$_D$ follow from Frobenius algebra in the TQFT$_{D+1}$. For $D=2$, we constructed eigenstates that produce 2D rational CFT path-integral exactly, which, curiously connects 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 CFT$_D$ as phase transition points between symmetric TQFT$_D$. Finally since the RG operator is in fact an exact analytic holographic tensor network, we compute ``bulk-boundary'' correlator and compare 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.