Doped Mott insulators in the triangular-lattice Hubbard model

Abstract

Here we investigate the evolution of the Mott insulators in the triangular lattice Hubbard Model, as a function of hole doping δ in both the strong and intermediate coupling limits. Using the advanced density matrix renormalization group (DMRG) method, at light hole doping δ ≲ 10%, we find a significant difference between strong and intermediate couplings. Notably, at intermediate coupling an unusual metallic state emerges, with short ranged spin correlations but long ranged spin-chirality order. Moreover, no clear Fermi surface or wave vector is observed, this chiral metal also exhibits staggered loop current, which breaks the translational symmetry. These features disappear on increasing interaction strength or on further doping. At strong coupling, the 120 degree magnetic order of the insulating magnet persists for light doping, and produces hole pockets with a well-defined Fermi surface. On further doping, δ ≈ 10%~20% SDW order and coherent hole Fermi pockets are found at both strong and intermediate couplings. At even higher doping δ ≳ 20%, the SDW order is suppressed and the spin-singlet Cooper pair correlations are simultaneously enhanced. We also briefly comment on the strong particle-hole asymmetry of the model.