Geometry of complexity in conformal field theory

Abstract

We initiate quantitative studies of complexity in (1+1)-dimensional conformal field theories with a view that they provide the simplest setting to find a gravity dual to complexity. Our work pursues a geometric understanding of the complexity of conformal transformations and embeds Fubini-Study state complexity and direct counting of stress tensor insertion in the relevant circuits in a unified mathematical language. In the former case, we iteratively solve the emerging integrodifferential equation for sample optimal circuits and discuss the sectional curvature of the underlying geometry. In the latter case, we recognize that optimal circuits are governed by Euler-Arnold type equations and discuss relevant results for three well-known equations of this type in the context of complexity.