Homogeneous multiscale entanglement renormalization ansatz tensor networks for quantum critical systems

In this paper, we review the properties of homogeneous multiscale entanglement renormalization ansatz (MERA) to describe quantum critical systems. We discuss in more detail our results for one-dimensional (1D) systems (the Ising and Heisenberg models) and present new data for the 2D Ising model. Together with the results for the critical exponents, we provide a detailed description of the numerical algorithm and a discussion of new optimization strategies. The relation between the critical properties of the system and the tensor structure of the MERA is expressed using the formalism of quantum channels, which we review and extend.