Polaronic correlations from optimized ancilla wave functions for the Fermi-Hubbard model

Area of Science:

• Condensed Matter Physics
• Quantum Simulation
• Strongly Correlated Systems

Background:

• The pseudogap metal phase in strongly correlated electron systems presents complex electronic behavior.
• Understanding polaronic correlations is crucial for describing emergent phenomena in materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To model polaronic correlations in the pseudogap metal phase of a hole-doped 2D Fermi-Hubbard model.
• To compare theoretical predictions with experimental data from ultracold atom quantum simulators.

Main Methods:

• Employing a family of ancilla qubit variational wave functions.
• Analyzing the 2D Fermi-Hubbard model across a range of hole-doping concentrations.
• Comparing theoretical results with quantum simulation data.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated qualitative and quantitative agreement between theoretical modeling and quantum simulator data.
• Successfully described polaronic correlations from half-filling up to 80% hole-doping.
• Captured the observed crossover from a polaronic regime to a Fermi liquid around 40% doping.

Conclusions:

• Ancilla qubit variational wave functions provide an effective description of polaronic correlations.
• The study validates the use of quantum simulators for investigating complex condensed matter models.
• The findings offer insights into the electronic phase transitions in doped Mott insulators.