Embedding independent length scale of flat bands

Abstract

In flat-band systems with quenched kinetic energy, most of the conventional length scales related to the band dispersion become ineffectual. Although a few geometric length scales, such as the quantum metric length, can still be defined, because of their embedding dependence, i.e., the dependence on the choice of orbital positions used to construct the tight-binding model, they cannot serve as a universal length scale of the flat-band systems. Here, we introduce an embedding independent length scale $\hat{I}{¾}_{\text{flat}}$ of a flat band that is defined as the localization length of an in-gap state proximate to the flat band. Because $\hat{I}{¾}_{\text{flat}}$ is derived from the intrinsic localization of compact localized states, it is solely determined by the Hamiltonian and provides a robust foundation for embedding independent observables. We show analytically that the superconducting coherence length in a flat-band superconductor is given by $\hat{I}{¾}_{\text{flat}}$ in the weak-coupling limit, thereby identifying $\hat{I}{¾}_{\text{flat}}$ as the relevant length scale for many-body phenomena. Numerical simulations on various lattice models confirm all theoretical predictions, including the correspondence between $\hat{I}{¾}_{\text{flat}}$ and the superconducting coherence length. Our results highlight $\hat{I}{¾}_{\text{flat}}$ as a universal length scale for flat bands and open a pathway to embedding independent characterization of interacting flat-band materials.