Optimization of Functions Given in the Tensor Train Format

Abstract: Tensor train (TT) format is a common approach for computationally efficient work with multidimensional arrays, vectors, matrices, and discretized functions in a wide range of applications, including computational mathematics and machine learning. In this work, we propose a new algorithm for TT-tensor optimization, which leads to very accurate approximations for the minimum and maximum tensor element. The method consists in sequential tensor multiplications of the TT-cores with an intelligent selection of candidates for the optimum. We propose the probabilistic interpretation of the method, and make estimates on its complexity and convergence. We perform extensive numerical experiments with random tensors and various multivariable benchmark functions with the number of input dimensions up to $100$. Our approach generates a solution close to the exact optimum for all model problems, while the running time is no more than $50$ seconds on a regular laptop.