Many-body CPA for the Holstein-DE model

Abstract

A many-body coherent potential approximation (CPA) previously developed for the double exchange (DE) model is extended to include coupling to local quantum phonons. The Holstein-DE model studied (equal to the Holstein model for zero Hund coupling) is considered to be a simple model for the colossal magnetoresistance manganites. We concentrate on effects due to the quantisation of the phonons, such as the formation of polaron subbands. The electronic spectrum and resistivity are investigated for a range of temperature and electron-phonon coupling strengths. Good agreement with experiment is found for the Curie temperature and resistivity with intermediate electron-phonon coupling strength, but phonon quantisation is found not to have a significant effect in this coupling regime.