Linear combinations of cluster mean-field states applied to spin systems

Abstract

We present an innovative cluster-based method employing linear combinations of diverse cluster mean-field (cMF) states, and apply it to describe the ground state of strongly-correlated spin systems. In cluster mean-field theory, the ground state wavefunction is expressed as a factorized tensor product of optimized cluster states. While our prior work concentrated on a single cMF tiling, this study removes that constraint by combining different tilings of cMF states. Selection criteria, including translational symmetry and spatial proximity, guide this process. We present benchmark calculations for the one- and two-dimensional $J_1-J_2$ and $XXZ$ Heisenberg models. Our findings highlight two key aspects. First, the method offers a semi-quantitative description of the $0.4 \lessapprox J_2/J_1 \lessapprox 0.6$ regime of the $J_1-J_2$ model - a particularly challenging regime for existing methods. Second, our results demonstrate the capability of our method to provide qualitative descriptions for all the models and regimes considered, establishing it as a valuable reference. However, the inclusion of additional (weak) correlations is necessary for quantitative agreement, and we explore methods to incorporate these extra correlations.