Reduced density-matrix functionals applied to the Hubbard dimer

Common density-matrix functionals, the Müller and the power functional, have been benchmarked for the half-filled Hubbard dimer, which allows to model the bond dissociation problem and the transition from the weakly to the strongly correlated limit. Unbiased numerical calculations are combined with analytical results. Despite the well known successes of the Müller functional, the ground state is degenerate with a one-dimensional manifold of ferromagnetic solutions. The resulting infinite magnetic susceptibility indicates another qualitative flaw of Müller's functional. The derivative discontinuity with respect to particle number is not present indicating an incorrect metal-like behavior. The power functional actually favors the ferromagnetic state for weak interaction. Analogous to the Hartree-Fock approximation, the power functional undergoes a transition beyond a critical interaction strength, in this case however, to a non-collinear antiferromagnetic state.

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