A Conformal Truncation Framework for Infinite-Volume Dynamics

TL;DR

This paper introduces a conformal truncation framework for analyzing infinite-volume conformal field theories deformed by relevant operators, enabling numerical computation of spectra and dynamical quantities.

Contribution

The authors develop a new truncation method using conformal Casimir eigenstates and lightcone quantization to study deformed CFTs in infinite volume, validated in multiple models.

Findings

Accurately reproduces known analytic results in tested models

Provides a systematic way to generate Casimir eigenstates in any dimension

Successfully computes spectra and spectral densities for deformed free CFTs

Abstract

We present a new framework for studying conformal field theories deformed by one or more relevant operators. The original CFT is described in infinite volume using a basis of states with definite momentum, $P$, and conformal Casimir, $\mathcal{C}$. The relevant deformation is then considered using lightcone quantization, with the resulting Hamiltonian expressed in terms of this CFT basis. Truncating to states with $\mathcal{C} \leq \mathcal{C}_{\max}$, one can numerically find the resulting spectrum, as well as other dynamical quantities, such as spectral densities of operators. This method requires the introduction of an appropriate regulator, which can be chosen to preserve the conformal structure of the basis. We check this framework in three dimensions for various perturbative deformations of a free scalar CFT, and for the case of a free $O(N)$ CFT deformed by a mass term and a non-perturbative quartic interaction at large-$N$. In all cases, the truncation scheme correctly reproduces known analytic results. We also discuss a general procedure for generating a basis of Casimir eigenstates for a free CFT in any number of dimensions.