Tensor network decompositions for absolutely maximally entangled states

Absolutely maximally entangled (AME) states of k qudits (also known as perfect tensors) are quantum states that have maximal entanglement for all possible bipartitions of the sites/parties. We consider the problem of whether such states can be decomposed into a tensor network with a small number of tensors, such that all physical and all auxiliary spaces have the same dimension D. We find that certain AME states with k=6 can be decomposed into a network with only three 4-leg tensors; we provide concrete solutions for local dimension D=5 and higher. Our result implies that certain AME states with six parties can be created with only three two-site unitaries from a product state of three Bell pairs, or equivalently, with six two-site unitaries acting on a product state on six qudits. We also consider the problem for k=8, where we find similar tensor network decompositions with six 4-leg tensors.