Abstract
We use a variational Monte Carlo technique to study the ground state of the two-dimensional Hubbard and t-J models on a square lattice. We use a trial wave function that allows a continuous description of the paramagnetic, antiferromagnetic, and superconducting phases, as well as the coexistence of these phases, with no a priori constraint on double occupancy. The phase diagram of both models is given for intermediate coupling (U=10t). We show that the apparent discrepancies between the two models, that appeared in previous variational Monte Carlo studies, are not present when this sufficiently good variational wave function is used. The two models are in good qualitative agreement. We find that except at half-filling a pure antiferromagnetic phase does not exist but is always in coexistence with a d-wave superconducting phase, and is followed by a pure d-wave superconducting phase at doping up to δ∼0.3. The staggered magnetization and the superconducting gap are measured, and a comparison with other analytical or numerical results is made.