High-frequency transport and zero-sound in an array of SYK quantum dots

Abstract

We study an array of strongly correlated quantum dots of complex SYK type and account for the effects of quadratic terms added to the SYK Hamiltonian; both local terms and inter-dot tunneling are considered in the non-Fermi-liquid temperature range $T \gg T_{FL}$. We take into account soft-mode fluctuations and demonstrate their relevance for physical observables. Electric $\sigma(\omega,p)$ and thermal $\kappa(\omega,p)$ conductivities are calculated as functions of frequency and momentum for arbitrary values of the particle-hole asymmetry parameter $\mathcal{E}$. At low-frequencies $\omega \ll T$ we find the Lorenz ratio $L = \kappa(0,0)/T\sigma(0,0)$ to be non-universal and temperature-dependent. At $\omega \gg T$ the conductivity $\sigma(\omega,p)$ contains a pole with nearly linear dispersion $\omega \approx sp\sqrt{\ln\frac{\omega}{T}}$ reminiscent of the "zero-sound", known for Fermi-liquids. We demonstrate also that the developed approach makes it possible to understand the origin of heavy Fermi liquids with anomalously large Kadowaki-Woods ratio.