We investigate tensor-train approaches to the solution of the time-dependent Schrödinger equation for chain-like quantum systems with on-site and nearest-neighbor interactions only. Using efficient low-rank tensor train representations, we aim at reducing memory consumption and computational costs. As an example, coupled excitons and phonons modeled in terms of Fröhlich–Holstein type Hamiltonians are studied here. By comparing our tensor-train-based results with semi-analytical results, we demonstrate the key role of the ranks of the quantum state vectors. Typically, an excellent quality of solutions is found only when the maximum number of ranks exceeds a certain value. One class of propagation schemes builds on splitting the Hamiltonian into two groups of interleaved nearest-neighbor interactions commutating within each of the groups. In particular, the fourth-order Yoshida–Neri and the eighth-order Kahan–Li symplectic composition yield results close to machine precision. Similar results are found for fourth and eighth order global Krylov scheme. However, the computational effort currently restricts the use of these four propagators to rather short chains, which also applies to propagators based on the time-dependent variational principle, typically used for matrix product states. Yet, another class of propagators involves explicit, time-symmetrized Euler integrators. Especially, the fourth-order variant is recommended for quantum simulations of longer chains, even though the high precision of the splitting schemes cannot be reached. Moreover, the scaling of the computational effort with the dimensions of the local Hilbert spaces is much more favorable for the differencing than for splitting or variational schemes.
