Bond-operator analytical approach for the $t$-$J$ model

Abstract

We present a bond-operator theory (BOT) for analytical consideration of the $t$-$J$ model and its extensions with longer-rage hopping terms. This technique is based on previously suggested representation of electron operators via localized spins 1/2 and spinless Fermi-operators of mobile holons which requires no constraint between them. We introduce a representation of operators of spins, holons, and electrons in (extended) unit cell containing several lattice sites via a zoo of Bose- and Fermi-operators acting in the Hilbert space of all quantum states of the whole unit cell. BOT provides a regular expansion of physical quantities in powers of $1/n$ using conventional diagrammatic technique, where $n\ge1$ is the maximum number of introduced quasiparticles (bosons and fermions) which can occupy a unit cell. The suggested representation reproduces commutation algebra of all operators at any $n>0$ and allows to consider both magnetically ordered and disordered phases. Some elementary excitations described in the BOT by separate bosons or fermions appear in common approaches as bound states of conventional quasiparticles. In particular, there are two-hole bound states (Cooper pairs of two holes) which are described within the BOT by separate bosons. We discuss in detail properties of the $t$-$J$ model on the square lattice with no more than two holes (polarons). Although the expansion parameter $1/n$ is not small in the physically meaningful case of $n=1$, we obtain a good quantitative agreement with previous numerical findings at $n=1$ even in the first order in $1/n$ after taking into account a few simple diagrams. Self-consistent calculations in the first order in $1/n$ bring our results to a very good quantitative agreement with previous numerical findings of the ground state energy, staggered magnetization, and spectra of magnons, polarons, and lowest-energy two-hole bound states.