One-Dimensional t-J Model from a Variational Viewpoint

TL;DR

This paper investigates the 1D t-J model using variational methods and exact diagonalization, revealing how correlation factors influence physical properties and phase transitions, and comparing different wave functions to understand the Mott transition.

Contribution

It introduces a variational approach with correlation factors to accurately describe the 1D t-J model and clarifies the nature of phase transitions and wave function effectiveness.

Findings

Correlation factors control bulk quantities and critical behavior.

The phase transition to a separated phase is well described by an attractive Jastrow wave function.

The Mott transition differs significantly from the Brinkman-Rice transition.

Abstract

The one-dimensional (1D) $t$-$J$ model is investigated by using a Gutzwiller-Jastrow-type variation method and the exact diagonalization of small systems. Variational expectation values are estimated by the variational Monte Carlo method with sufficient accuracy. First, we represent the diagonalization results. Physical quantities like momentum distribution and some correlation functions show some behaviors which are not expected in repulsive models, as the value of $J/t$ increases. These properties as well as energy are well understood by introducing intersite correlation factors into wave functions. The phase transition to a separated phase in large-$J/t$ region can be described by an attractive Jastrow wave function in quantitative agreement with the exact results. On the other hand, for the supersymmetric case ($J/t=2$) the original Gutzwiller wave function becomes an extremely good trial function for all the range of electron density. Here a kind of \lq\lq free electron" state is realized, particularly in the low electron density. Next, the above wave functions are compared with the Tomonaga-Luttinger-liquid-type wave function proposed by Hellberg and Mele. It is found that the correlation factors in short distances control bulk quantities like energy and the magnitude of correlation functions, while the long-range part of correlataion factors determines the critical behavior of correlation functions. Lastly, using these functions, charge and spin susceptibilities and magnetization curve are estimated, which agree with the exact results. It is shown that the Mott transition in 1D $t$-$J$ model is quite different from the Brinkman-Rice transition.