Small-cluster calculations for the simple and extended Hubbard models

The single-band Hubbard model (both with and without first-neighbor interactions) is studied by exact diagonalization on several one- and two-dimensional clusters, ranging from four to nine sites, including rings and arrangements of squares. Occupancies include the half-filled band (one electron per site) and configurations with one and two holes in the half-filled band. Ground-state properties are determined for a wide range of parameters. We discuss the phase diagram in the (U,V) plane and consider spin, charge, and pairing correlations. The binding of a pair of holes is investigated. Circumstances in which binding and pairing are enhanced by first-neighbor interactions are described