Thinking locally: Reflections on Dynamical Mean-Field Theory from a high-temperature/high-energy perspective

When spatial correlations are short-range, the physics of strongly correlated systems is controlled by local quantum fluctuations. In those regimes, Dynamical Mean-Field Theory can be viewed as a 'compass' which provides guidance on the relevant degrees of freedom and their effective dynamics over intermediate energy scales. These intermediate energy scales and associated crossovers play a crucial role in the physics of strongly correlated materials. (C) 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim