We review the dynamical mean-field theory of strongly correlated electron systems which is based on a mapping of lattice models onto quantum impurity models subject to a self-consistency condition. This mapping is exact for models of correlated electrons in the limit of large lattice coordination (or infinite spatial dimensions). It extends the standard mean-field construction from classical statistical mechanics to quantum problems. We discuss the physical ideas underlying this theory and its mathematical derivation. Various analytic and numerical techniques that have been developed recently in order to analyze and solve the dynamical mean-field equations are reviewed and compared to each other. The method can be used for the determination of phase diagrams (by comparing the stability of various types of long-range order), and the calculation of thermodynamic properties, one-particle Green's functions, and response functions. We review in detail the recent progress in understanding the Hubbard model and the Mott metal-insulator transition within this approach, including some comparison to experiments on three-dimensional transition-metal oxides. We present an overview of the rapidly developing field of applications of this method to other systems. The present limitations of the approach, and possible extensions of the formalism are finally discussed. Computer programs for the numerical implementation of this method are also provided with this article.

Dynamical mean-field theory of strongly correlated fermion systems and the limit of infinite dimensions

An introductory review of the central ideas in the modern theory of dynamic critical phenomena is followed by a more detailed account of recent developments in the field. The concepts of the conventional theory, mode-coupling, scaling, universality, and the renormalization group are introduced and are illustrated in the context of a simple example---the phase separation of a symmetric binary fluid. The renormalization group is then developed in some detail, and applied to a variety of systems. The main dynamic universality classes are identified and characterized. It is found that the mode-coupling and renormalization group theories successfully explain available experimental data at the critical point of pure fluids, and binary mixtures, and at many magnetic phase transitions, but that a number of discrepancies exist with data at the superfluid transition of $^{4}\mathrm{He}$.

Theory of Dynamic Critical Phenomena

The superconducting transition temperature is calculated as a function of the electron-phonon and electron-electron coupling constants within the framework of the strong-coupling theory. Using this theoretical result, we find empirical values of the coupling constants and the "band-structure" density of states for a number of metals and alloys. It is noted that the electron-phonon coupling constant depends primarily on the phonon frequencies rather than on the electronic properties of the metal. Finally, using these results, one can predict a maximum superconducting transition temperature.

Transition temperature of strong-coupled superconductors.

The Renormalization group and the epsilon expansion

Statistical physics has proven to be a fruitful framework to describe phenomena outside the realm of traditional physics. Recent years have witnessed an attempt by physicists to study collective phenomena emerging from the interactions of individuals as elementary units in social structures. A wide list of topics are reviewed ranging from opinion and cultural and language dynamics to crowd behavior, hierarchy formation, human dynamics, and social spreading. The connections between these problems and other, more traditional, topics of statistical physics are highlighted. Comparison of model results with empirical data from social systems are also emphasized.

Statistical physics of social dynamics

Radiation-induced structure in the dc Josephson current

Studying the disappearance of superconductivity at the end of the overdoped region of the cuprate phase diagram offers a different approach for investigating the interaction which is responsible for pairing in these materials. In the underdoped region this question is complicated by the presence of charge and stripe ordered phases as well as the pseudogap. In the overdoped region the situation appears simpler with only a normal phase, a superconducting phase and impurity scattering. Here, for the overdoped region, we report the results of a combined dynamic cluster approximation (DCA) and a weak Born impurity scattering calculation for a $t-t'-U$ Hubbard model. We find that a decrease in the $d$-wave pairing strength of the two-particle scattering vertex is closely coupled to changes in the momentum and frequency structure of the magnetic spin fluctuations as the system is overdoped. Treating the impurity scattering within a disordered BCS $d$-wave approximation, we see how the combined effects of the decreasing $d$-wave pairing strength and weak impurity scattering lead to the end of the $T_c$ dome.

The overdoped end of the cuprate phase diagram

Compact high-temperature superconducting filters have high selectivity and sensitivity. Combined with a cryocooled low-noise amplifier, they significantly reduce the effective noise factor of a cellular base-station receiver. Their impact on wireless code-division multiple-access networks is examined using an analytical analysis and numerical simulations. Potential benefits of the superconducting technology include increased capacity utilization and coverage efficiency. Numerical simulations also address the question of how the network should be optimized to realize these benefits

Benefits of superconducting technology to wireless CDMA networks

Monte Carlo studies of the dynamical response of quantum many-body systems.

Using grand canonical quantum Monte Carlo (QMC) simulations combined with maximum entropy analytic continuation, as well as analytical methods, we examine the one- and two-particle dynamical properties of the Hubbard model on two coupled chains at half-filling. The one-particle spectral weight function, A(k,\ensuremath{\omega}), undergoes a qualitative change with interchain hopping ${\mathit{t}}_{\mathrm{\ensuremath{\perp}}}$ associated with a transition from a four-band insulator to a two-band insulator. A simple analytical model based on the propagation of exact rung singlet states gives a good description of the features at large ${\mathit{t}}_{\mathrm{\ensuremath{\perp}}}$. For smaller ${\mathit{t}}_{\mathrm{\ensuremath{\perp}}}$, A(k,\ensuremath{\omega}) is similar to that of the one-dimensional model, with a coherent band of width the effective antiferromagnetic exchange J which is reasonably well described by renormalized spin-wave theory. The coherent band rides on a broad background of width several times the parallel hopping integral t, an incoherent structure similar to that found in calculations on both the one- and two-dimensional models. We also present QMC results for the two-particle spin and charge excitation spectra, and relate their behavior to the rung singlet picture for large ${\mathit{t}}_{\mathrm{\ensuremath{\perp}}}$ and to the results of spin-wave theory for small ${\mathit{t}}_{\mathrm{\ensuremath{\perp}}}$. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.

Douglas J. Scalapino

Papers

Radiation-induced structure in the dc Josephson current

The overdoped end of the cuprate phase diagram

Benefits of superconducting technology to wireless CDMA networks

Monte Carlo studies of the dynamical response of quantum many-body systems.

Dynamical properties of two coupled Hubbard chains at half-filling.