Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 5, 2026

Generation and Coherent Control of Pulsed Quantum Frequency Combs
Published on: June 8, 2018
Applying the variational principle to (1+1)-dimensional quantum field theories
Jutho Haegeman1, J Ignacio Cirac, Tobias J Osborne
1Ghent University, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Krijgslaan 281-S9, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium.
Abstract:
We extend the recently introduced continuous matrix product state variational class to the setting of (1+1)-dimensional relativistic quantum field theories. This allows one to overcome the difficulties highlighted by Feynman concerning the application of the variational procedure to relativistic theories, and provides a new way to regularize quantum field theories. A fermionic version of the continuous matrix product state is introduced which is manifestly free of fermion doubling and sign problems. We illustrate the power of the formalism by studying the momentum occupation for free massive Dirac fermions and the chiral symmetry breaking in the Gross-Neveu model.
Related Concept Videos
The Principle of Superposition and the Gravitational Field
Differential Form of Maxwell's Equations
First Law: Particles in One-dimensional Equilibrium
The Quantum-Mechanical Model of an Atom
Calculation of First-Law Quantities II
Force and Potential Energy in One Dimension
