Hidden Kondo lattice physics in single-orbital Hubbard models

Abstract

Single-orbital Hubbard models exhibit remarkably nontrivial correlation phenomena, even on nonfrustrated bipartite lattices. Some of these, like non-Fermi-liquid metal states, or the coexistence of heavy and light quasi-particles, are reminiscent of the properties of more complex multi-orbital or Kondo-lattice systems. Here, we use basis transformations to map single-orbital models to effective multi-orbital descriptions and clarify how a ferromagnetic Kondo-lattice-like behavior emerges in prototypical models with flat bands or van Hove singularities in the density of states: the Hubbard model on the diamond chain, square-lattice, Lieb lattice and honeycomb lattice. In particular, this mapping explains the non-Fermi-liquid states and pseudo-gaps found in the correlated metal regime.