Electron Localization in the Insulating State

  • 14 August 1998
Abstract
The insulating state of matter is characterized by qualitative features of the electronic ground state, better than by features of the excitation spectrum. The insulating ground wavefunction in fact: (i) sustains macroscopic polarization, and (ii) is localized. We give a sharp definition of the latter concept, and we show how the two basic features are related. Our approach to localization is exemplified by means of a two-band Hubbard model in one dimension. In the noninteracting limit the wavefunction localization is measured by the spread of the Wannier orbitals.

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