Tight binding hamiltonian matrix

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the tight binding Hamiltonian matrix for fermions, specifically its structure and the presence of terms +t and -t. The matrix is represented as follows: 0 0 -t -t 0 0 +t +t -t +t 0 0 -t +t 0 0. Participants emphasize the importance of antisymmetry in fermionic wave functions and the need for clarity in defining basis states using second quantized notation. Proper normal ordering of operators and careful calculation of inner products and contractions are essential for accurate results.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of fermionic wave functions and their antisymmetry properties
  • Familiarity with tight binding Hamiltonians in quantum mechanics
  • Knowledge of second quantized notation in quantum field theory
  • Experience with operator normal ordering in quantum mechanics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the tight binding Hamiltonian for various lattice structures
  • Learn about second quantization and its applications in quantum mechanics
  • Explore the concept of normal ordering and its significance in quantum field theory
  • Investigate the calculation of inner products and contractions in fermionic systems
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for quantum physicists, graduate students in theoretical physics, and researchers working on fermionic systems and tight binding models.

gizzmo
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Can somebody explain to me why, when we work with fermions, the tight binding Hamiltonian matrix has a form
0 0 -t -t
0 0 +t +t
-t +t 0 0
-t +t 0 0
the basis are |\uparrow,\downarrow>, |\downarrow,\uparrow>, |\uparrow\downarrow,0>, |0,\uparrow\downarrow>,
Why there is +t and -t? (I think that this has something to do with the fact the the fermionic wave function is antisymmetric. But can somebody give me an example how to calculate this elements from the actual Hamiltonian. I always get -t.)
 
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Tight binding is a very general method, and there are many systems where it doesn't have that form. You really should describe the system you are studying before asking a question like that. Also, when you make a statement of the form "I always get this answer and it's wrong" you should describe what it is that you're doing or you're just asking people to guess as what you have done wrong.

You need to write down your basis states in second quantized notation:
|\uparrow,\downarrow\rangle = c_{1\uparrow}^\dagger c_{2\downarrow}^\dagger |0\rangle
and you need to pick a normal ordering for your operators and make sure you are consistent when writing out your states. Then write out each inner product carefully and write out the contractions.
 

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