Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

arXiv:1407.4065

Making use of self-energy functionals: The variational cluster approximation

Michael Potthoff

Published Jul 15, 2014• 6 citations
arXivHTMLPDF

Abstract

A pedagogical introduction to the cluster-perturbation theory, the variational cluster approximation and to self-energy-functional theory is given. Some standard applications and the relation to dynamical mean-field theory are discussed.
DOI
10.48550/arxiv.1407.4065

Related papers

Dynamical Mean Field and Dynamical Cluster Approximations

Mark Jarrell, Alexandru Macridin

We present a pedagogical discussion of the dynamical mean field and dynamical cluster approximations.

•Jan 1, 2011•0 citations

An introduction to quantum cluster methods

David Sénéchal

These lecture notes provide an introduction to quantum cluster methods for strongly correlated systems. Cluster Perturbation Theory (CPT), the Variational Cluster Approximation (VCA) and Cellular Dynamical Mean Field Theory (CDMFT) are described, as well as the exact diagonalization solver for the cluster. Potthoff's self-energy functional formalism is reviewed. Some numerical procedures, in particular regarding the exact diagonalization method and the frequency-momentum integrals needed in VCA, are discussed in detail.

arXiv:0806.2690•Jun 17, 2008•41 citations

New variational derivation of the coupled cluster expansion and its relation to green functions and diagrams

Abraham Klein, Tsutomu Une

The European Physical Journal A•Sep 1, 1985•1 citation

Self-energy-functional theory for systems of interacting electrons with disorder

Michael Potthoff, Matthias Balzer

Based on a functional-integral formalism, a generalization of the self-energy-functional theory (SFT) is proposed which is applicable to systems of interacting electrons with disorder. Similar to the pure case without disorder, a variational principle is set up which gives the physical (disorder) self-energy as a stationary point of the (averaged) grand potential. Although the resulting self-energy functional turns out to be more complicated, the formal structure of the theory can be retained since the unknown part of the functional is universal. This allows one to construct nonperturbative and thermodynamically consistent approximations via searching for a stationary point on a restricted domain of the functional. The theory and the possible approximations are worked out for models with local interactions and local disorder. This results in a derivation of different mean-field approaches and various cluster extensions, including well-known concepts such as the statistical dynamical mean-field theory, the molecular coherent-potential approximation, and the dynamical cluster approximation. Due to the common formal framework provided by the SFT, one achieves a general systematization of dynamical approaches, i.e., approaches based on the spectrum of one-particle excitations. Different mean-field and different cluster schemes naturally appear in this framework and complement the existing ones. Their prospects for future applications are discussed.

arXiv:cond-mat/0610217•Physical Review B•Mar 16, 2007•30 citations

Variational Cluster Approach to Correlated Electron Systems in Low Dimensions

Michael Potthoff, Markus Aichhorn, Christopher Dahnken

A self-energy-functional approach is applied to construct cluster approximations for correlated lattice models. It turns out that the cluster-perturbation theory [Phys. Rev. Lett. 84, 522 (2000)]] and the cellular dynamical mean-field theory [Phys. Rev. Lett. 87, 186401 (2001)]] are limiting cases of a more general cluster method. The results for the one-dimensional Hubbard model are discussed with regard to boundary conditions, bath degrees of freedom, and cluster size.

arXiv:cond-mat/0303136•Physical Review Letters•Nov 11, 2003•332 citations

The S-Matrix Formulation of the Cluster Expansion in Statistical Mechanics1

Pietro Fré

De Gruyter eBooks•Dec 31, 1977•0 citations
These lecture notes provide an introduction to quantum cluster methods for strongly correlated systems. Cluster Perturbation Theory (CPT), the Variational Cluster Approximation (VCA) and Cellular Dynamical Mean Field Theory (CDMFT) are described, as well as the exact diagonalization solver for the cluster. Potthoff's self-energy functional formalism is reviewed. Some numerical procedures, in particular regarding the exact diagonalization method and the frequency-momentum integrals needed in VCA, are discussed in detail.
Based on a functional-integral formalism, a generalization of the self-energy-functional theory (SFT) is proposed which is applicable to systems of interacting electrons with disorder. Similar to the pure case without disorder, a variational principle is set up which gives the physical (disorder) self-energy as a stationary point of the (averaged) grand potential. Although the resulting self-energy functional turns out to be more complicated, the formal structure of the theory can be retained since the unknown part of the functional is universal. This allows one to construct nonperturbative and thermodynamically consistent approximations via searching for a stationary point on a restricted domain of the functional. The theory and the possible approximations are worked out for models with local interactions and local disorder. This results in a derivation of different mean-field approaches and various cluster extensions, including well-known concepts such as the statistical dynamical mean-field theory, the molecular coherent-potential approximation, and the dynamical cluster approximation. Due to the common formal framework provided by the SFT, one achieves a general systematization of dynamical approaches, i.e., approaches based on the spectrum of one-particle excitations. Different mean-field and different cluster schemes naturally appear in this framework and complement the existing ones. Their prospects for future applications are discussed.