Strong pairing and symmetric pseudogap metal in double Kondo lattice model: from nickelate superconductor to tetralayer optical lattice

TL;DR

This paper introduces a double Kondo lattice model that explains superconductivity in nickelates and can be simulated in cold atom lattices, revealing strong inter-layer pairing and a potential Kondo breakdown transition.

Contribution

It proposes a unified double Kondo lattice framework connecting nickelate superconductors and optical lattice simulators, highlighting the role of inter-layer entanglement and pairing.

Findings

Strong inter-layer pairing confirmed in 1D simulations

Model describes both nickelate superconductor and cold atom systems

Identification of a symmetric Kondo breakdown transition possibility

Abstract

In this work, we propose and study a double Kondo lattice model which hosts robust superconductivity. The system consists of two identical Kondo lattice model, each with Kondo coupling $J_K$ within each layer, while the localized spin moments are coupled together via an inter-layer on-site antiferromagnetic spin coupling $J_\perp$. We consider the strong $J_\perp$ limit, wherein the local moments tend to form rung singlets and are thus gapped. However, the Kondo coupling $J_K$ transmits the inter-layer entanglement between the local moments to the itinerant electrons. Consequently, the itinerant electrons experience a strong inter-layer antiferromangetic spin coupling and form strong inter-layer pairing, which is confirmed through numerical simulation in one dimensional system. Experimentally, the $J_K \rightarrow -\infty$ limits of the model describes the recently found bilayer nickelate La$_3$Ni$_2$O$_7$, while the $J_K>0$ side can be realized in tetralayer optical lattice of cold atoms. Two extreme limits, $J_K \rightarrow -\infty$ and $J_K \rightarrow +\infty$ limit are shown to be simplified to a bilayer type II t-J model and a bilayer one-orbital t-J model, respectively. Thus, our double Kondo lattice model offers a unified framework for nickelate superconductor and tetralayer optical lattice quantum simulator upon changing the sign of $J_K$. We highlight both the qualitative similarity and the quantitative difference in the two sides of $J_K$. Finally, we discuss the possibility of a symmetric Kondo breakdown transition in the model with a symmetric pseudogap metal corresponding to the usual heavy Fermi liquid.