A new boson expansion theory utilizing a norm operator

Abstract We propose a new boson expansion method using a norm operator. The small parameter expansion, in which the boson approximation becomes the zeroth-order approximation, requires double commutation relations between phonon operators that are not closed between the phonon excitation modes adopted as boson excitations. This results in an infinite expansion regardless of whether the type of boson expansion is Hermitian or non-Hermitian. The small parameter expansion does not hold when the commutation relations are closed. The norm operator is expressed as a function of the number operator in the physical subspace, which enables us to obtain substantially a finite boson expansion regardless of the type being Hermitian or non-Hermitian. We also point out the problems of conventional boson expansion methods. The normal-ordered linked-cluster expansion theory has failed to refute Marshalek’s claim that KT-1 and KT-2 are chimerical boson expansions. The Dyson boson expansion theory does not have exceptional superiority over other types. Previous studies using boson expansion methods should be re-examined.