Dynamical correlation functions for the one-dimensional Bose-Hubbard insulator

Abstract

We calculate the dynamical current and kinetic-energy correlation functions for the first Mott lobe of the one-dimensional Bose-Hubbard model. We employ the strong-coupling expansion up to sixth order in $x=t/U$, and the dynamical density-matrix renormalization group method on rings with 64 sites. The correlation functions are finite above the single-particle gap with a square-root onset, as is also found from field theory close to the Mott transition. The correlation functions display a featureless superposition of the primary and tertiary Hubbard bands. We find very good agreement between all methods in the interaction/frequency regimes where they are applicable.