  In this paper we explore the practical use of the corner transfer matrix and
its higher-dimensional generalization, the corner tensor, to develop tensor
network algorithms for the classical simulation of quantum lattice systems of
infinite size. This exploration is done mainly in one and two spatial
dimensions (1d and 2d). We describe a number of numerical algorithms based on
corner matri- ces and tensors to approximate different ground state properties
of these systems. The proposed methods make also use of matrix product
operators and projected entangled pair operators, and naturally preserve
spatial symmetries of the system such as translation invariance. In order to
assess the validity of our algorithms, we provide preliminary benchmarking
calculations for the spin-1/2 quantum Ising model in a transverse field in both
1d and 2d. Our methods are a plausible alternative to other well-established
tensor network approaches such as iDMRG and iTEBD in 1d, and iPEPS and TERG in
2d. The computational complexity of the proposed algorithms is also considered
and, in 2d, important differences are found depending on the chosen simulation
scheme. We also discuss further possibilities, such as 3d quantum lattice
systems, periodic boundary conditions, and real time evolution. This discussion
leads us to reinterpret the standard iTEBD and iPEPS algorithms in terms of
corner transfer matrices and corner tensors. Our paper also offers a
perspective on many properties of the corner transfer matrix and its
higher-dimensional generalizations in the light of novel tensor network
methods.
