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Padé approximants for improved finite-temperature spectral functions in the numerical renormalization group

We introduce an improved approach for obtaining smooth finite-temperature spectral functions of quantum impurity models using the numerical renormalization group (NRG) technique. It is based on calculating first the Green's function on the imaginary-frequency axis, followed by an analytic continuation to the real-frequency axis using Padé approximants. The arbitrariness in choosing a suitable kernel in the conventional broadening approach is thereby removed and, furthermore, we find that the Padé method is able to resolve fine details in spectral functions with less artifacts on the scale of omega ~ T. We discuss the convergence properties with respect to the NRG calculation parameters (discretization, truncation cutoff) and the number of Matsubara points taken into account in the analytic continuation. We test the technique on the the single-impurity Anderson model and the Hubbard model (within the dynamical mean-field theory). For the Anderson impurity model, we discuss the shape of the Kondo resonance and its temperature dependence. For the Hubbard model, we discuss the inner structure of the Hubbard bands in metallic and insulating solutions at half-filling, as well as in the doped Mott insulator. Based on these test cases we conclude that the Padé approximant approach provides more reliable results for spectral functions at low-frequency scales of omega < T and that it is capable of resolving sharp spectral features also at high frequencies. It outperforms broadening in most respects.