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

In summary, the conversation discussed a system with two orbitals 'a' and 'b' described by a Hamiltonian that includes three terms representing electron energy, hopping, and Coulomb interaction. The Hamiltonian was represented as a matrix and can be solved exactly or in the limit of U>>t, it can be simplified. Second quantization was also used to represent the Hamiltonian and find eigenvalues and functions. The conversation also mentioned the difficulty of finding 2nd order perturbation theory in this representation.
  • #1
phys_student1
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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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  • #2
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?
 

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

What is a two-orbital system?

A two-orbital system refers to a quantum system that contains two distinct orbitals, or energy levels, for particles to occupy. This can include electrons in an atom or molecules, as well as other systems such as superconductors.

What is tight-binding in the context of a two-orbital system?

Tight-binding is a mathematical model used to describe the behavior of electrons in a solid material. It takes into account the interactions between electrons in neighboring orbitals and can accurately predict the electronic properties of materials such as metals, semiconductors, and insulators.

What is the Coulomb interaction in a two-orbital system?

The Coulomb interaction refers to the electrostatic force between charged particles in a system. In a two-orbital system, this can refer to the repulsion between electrons in the same orbital, or the attraction between electrons in different orbitals.

How does the Coulomb interaction affect the behavior of a two-orbital system?

The Coulomb interaction can have a significant impact on the electronic properties of a two-orbital system. It can lead to the formation of energy bands, which are ranges of allowed energy levels for electrons, as well as the formation of more complex structures such as superconducting materials.

What are some real-world applications of a two-orbital system with tight-binding and Coulomb interaction?

Two-orbital systems with tight-binding and Coulomb interaction have various practical applications, including the development of new materials for electronics and energy storage, as well as the study of superconductivity and quantum computing. They are also used in the design of advanced electronic devices and technologies, such as transistors and solar cells.

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