Two-orbital system w/ tight-binding and Coulomb interaction

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on a two-orbital system characterized by a Hamiltonian that incorporates tight-binding and Coulomb interaction. The Hamiltonian is expressed in terms of creation and annihilation operators for orbitals 'a' and 'b', with the effective Hamiltonian derived in the limit where U is significantly greater than t. The ground state energy is calculated as E1 = -2t²/U and E2 = 0, with eigen-functions obtainable through the diagonalization of the Hamiltonian. The conversation also explores the implications of second quantization and the challenges of applying second-order perturbation theory in this framework.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics, specifically Hamiltonians and eigenvalues.
  • Familiarity with second quantization and creation/annihilation operators.
  • Knowledge of tight-binding models in condensed matter physics.
  • Concept of Coulomb interaction in quantum systems.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of eigenvalues and eigenfunctions in quantum mechanics.
  • Learn about perturbation theory in quantum mechanics, focusing on second-order perturbation theory.
  • Explore advanced topics in condensed matter physics, particularly tight-binding models and their applications.
  • Investigate the implications of Coulomb interactions in multi-electron systems.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for theoretical physicists, quantum mechanics students, and researchers in condensed matter physics who are interested in the mathematical modeling of electron interactions in multi-orbital systems.

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We have a system of two orbitals 'a' and 'b'. The Hamiltonian is given as:

$$H=\sum_{\sigma=\uparrow,\downarrow}(\epsilon_a A_\sigma^\dagger A_\sigma+\epsilon_b B_\sigma^\dagger B_\sigma) -t\sum_{\sigma=\uparrow,\downarrow}(A_\sigma^\dagger B_\sigma+B_\sigma^\dagger A_\sigma)+U B_\uparrow^\dagger B_\uparrow B_\downarrow^\dagger B_\downarrow$$
The first term represent the energy of both electrons (will be ignored, it only shifts the zero-level), second term represent the hopping while third one the Coulomb interaction between electrons in orbital 'b'. A's and B's are the creation and annihilation operators. Initially we have 1 spin-up and 1 spin-down electrons in the system. In the limit U>>t, we are to find the ground state and its energy.

I have represented H as the following matrix:

$$H=\begin{pmatrix}
0 & 0 & -t & -t \\
0 & 0 & +t & +t \\
-t & +t & U & 0 \\
-t & +t & 0 & 0 \end{pmatrix} $$
with basis vector:
$$\begin{pmatrix}
\left|\uparrow,\downarrow\right> \\
\left|\downarrow,\uparrow\right> \\
\left|\uparrow\downarrow,.\right> \\
\left|.,\uparrow\downarrow\right> \end{pmatrix} $$
This system can be diagonalized and solved exactly, although the solution is cumbersome. Alternatively, in U>>t limit, we can 'downfold' the Hamiltonian and solve as:
$$H_{eff}=\begin{pmatrix}
-t & -t \\
t & t \end{pmatrix} \begin{pmatrix}
-1/U & 0 \\
0 & 0 \end{pmatrix}\begin{pmatrix}
-t & t \\
-t & t \end{pmatrix} = -t^2/U \begin{pmatrix}
1 & -1 \\
-1 & 1 \end{pmatrix}$$
Which gives the solution as: $$E_1=-2t^2/U, E_2=0$$. Eigen-functions can be obtained straightforwardly.

Now, if I am to use second quantization, then the Hamiltonian becomes:
$$H_{eff}=-2t^2/U(A_\uparrow^\dagger B_\downarrow^\dagger B_\downarrow A_\uparrow - A_\downarrow^\dagger B_\uparrow^\dagger B_\downarrow A_\uparrow - A_\uparrow^\dagger B_\downarrow^\dagger B_\uparrow A_\downarrow + A_\downarrow^\dagger B_\uparrow^\dagger B_\uparrow A_\downarrow )$$
I have tried to write it down in terms of the spin operators, which gave me a compact representation:
$$H_{eff}=2t^2/U(S_a.S_b - n_a.n_b/4)$$
Then how would one normally proceed to get the eigenvalues / functions?
 
Last edited:
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Another point...If you have your perturbing Hamiltonian in 2nd quantization representation, and your wave functions are also in 2nd Q. rep. Then how would one find the 2nd order perturbation theory, since you will have some thing like <c*c...|c*c...|c*c...> , I mean, everything is in terms of creation and annihilation operators and I do not see how one can proceed in this representation?
 

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