Q-curvature and Path Integral Complexity

TL;DR

This paper links path integral optimization in holographic CFTs to Q-curvature actions, providing a systematic way to construct higher-dimensional complexity measures and exploring their implications in holography and tensor networks.

Contribution

It introduces a new approach to higher-dimensional path integral complexity using Q-curvature actions, connecting optimization, tensor networks, and holography.

Findings

Q-curvature actions systematically construct higher-dimensional complexity.

Higher curvature contributions affect path integral optimization.

Connections established between Q-curvature, finite cut-off holography, and tensor networks.

Abstract

We discuss the interpretation of path integral optimization as a uniformization problem in even dimensions. This perspective allows for a systematical construction of the higher-dimensional path integral complexity in holographic conformal field theories in terms of Q-curvature actions. We explore the properties and consequences of these actions from the perspective of the optimization programme, tensor networks and penalty factors. Moreover, in the context of recently proposed holographic path integral optimization, we consider higher curvature contributions on the Hartle-Hawking bulk slice and study their impact on the optimization as well as their relation to Q-curvature actions and finite cut-off holography.