arXiv2017
We introduce an equilibrium formulation of the functional renormalization group (fRG) for inhomogeneous systems capable of dealing with spatially finite-ranged interactions. In the general third order truncated form of fRG, the dependence of the two-particle vertex is described by O(N^4) independent variables, where N is the dimension of the single-particle system. In a previous paper [Phys. Rev. B 89, 045128 (2014)], the so-called coupled-ladder approximation (CLA) was introduced and shown to admit a consistent treatment for models with a purely onsite interaction, reducing the vertex to O(N^2) independent variables. Here, we extend this scheme to the extended coupled ladder approximation (eCLA), which includes a spatially extended feedback between the individual channels, measured by a feedback length L, using O(N^2 L^2) independent variables for the vertex. We apply the eCLA to three types of one-dimensional models : First, to a quantum point contact (QPC) with a parabolic barrier top and short-ranged interactions. Here eCLA achieves convergence for L equal to the characteristic length l_x of the QPC. It also turns out that the additional feedback stabilizes the fRG-flow. This enables us, second, to study the crossover between a QPC and a quantum dot, again for a model with short-ranged interactions. Third, the enlarged feedback also enables the treatment of a finite-ranged interaction extending over up to L sites. Estimating the form of such a finite-ranged interaction in a QPC, we study its effects on the conductance and the density. For low densities and sufficiently large interaction ranges the conductance develops additional oscillatory features, and the corresponding density shows fluctuations that can be interpreted as Friedel oscillations arising from a renormalized barrier shape with a rather flat top and steep flanks.