On convergence of the maximum block improvement method

Abstract. The MBI (maximum block improvement) method is a greedy approach to solving optimization problems where the decision variables can be grouped into a finite number of blocks. Assuming that optimizing over one block of variables while fixing all others is relatively easy, the MBI method updates the block of variables corresponding to the maximally improving block at each iteration, which is arguably a most natural and simple process to tackle block-structured problems with great potentials for engineering applications. In this paper we establish global and local linear convergence results for this method. The global convergence is established under the Lojasiewicz inequality assumption, while the local analysis invokes second-order assumptions. We study in particular the tensor optimization model with spherical constraints. Conditions for linear convergence of the famous power method for computing the maximum eigenvalue of a matrix follow in this framework as a special case. The condition is interpreted in various other forms for the rank-one tensor optimization model under spherical constraints. Numerical experiments are shown to support the convergence property of the MBI method

Alternating least squares as moving subspace correction

In this note we take a new look at the local convergence of alternating optimization methods for low-rank matrices and tensors. Our abstract interpretation as sequential optimization on moving subspaces yields insightful reformulations of some known convergence conditions that focus on the interplay between the contractivity of classical multiplicative Schwarz methods with overlapping subspaces and the curvature of low-rank matrix and tensor manifolds. While the verification of the abstract conditions in concrete scenarios remains open in most cases, we are able to provide an alternative and conceptually simple derivation of the asymptotic convergence rate of the two-sided block power method of numerical algebra for computing the dominant singular subspaces of a rectangular matrix. This method is equivalent to an alternating least squares method applied to a distance function. The theoretical results are illustrated and validated by numerical experiments.Comment: 20 pages, 4 figure

Mathematical open problems in Projected Entangled Pair States

Projected Entangled Pair States (PEPS) are used in practice as an efficient parametrization of the set of ground states of quantum many body systems. The aim of this paper is to present, for a broad mathematical audience, some mathematical questions about PEPS.Comment: Notes associated to the Santal\'o Lecture 2017, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), minor typos correcte