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Magnetic Correlations in the SU(3) Triangular-Lattice t−J Model at Finite Doping

Annika Böhler, Fabian Grusdt, and Annabelle Bohrdt

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Phys. Rev. Lett. 137, 040401 – Published 21 July, 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/x68w-lwvv

Abstract

Ultracold alkaline-earth atoms and molecules now enable experimental realizations of SU(N)-symmetric Fermi-Hubbard models, yet theoretical understanding of these systems, particularly at finite doping remains limited. Here we investigate the strong-coupling limit of the SU(3) symmetric Fermi-Hubbard model on the triangular lattice across the full doping range. Using a three-flavor extension of Gutzwiller-projected hidden fermion determinant states (G-HFDS), a neural network based variational ansatz, we analyze two- and three-point spin-spin and spin-spin-hole correlations of the SU(3) Cartan generators. We further study the structure of a pair of doped holes for large periodic systems, and compare our results to the paradigmatic SU(2) square lattice equivalent, finding strikingly similar magnetic correlations, non-s-wave pairing symmetry, and enhanced binding energies. Our results provide a foundation for future exploration of doped SU(N) Mott insulators, providing insights for both theoretical developments and quantum simulation experiments.

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Phys. Rev. Lett. 137, 040401– Published 21 July, 2026
  • Received 25 June 2025
  • Revised 15 June 2026
  • Accepted 17 June 2026
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