The optical conductivity (OC) of cuprates is studied theoretically in the low-density limit of the $t\text{−}{t}^{\prime }\text{−}J$ model taking into account the hole-lattice coupling. By developing a limited phonon basis exact diagonalization method capable of treating the lattice of largest size ever considered $\left(4\times 4\right)$, we are able to discern the fine features of the mid-infrared (MIR) part of the OC revealing a three-peak structure. The two lowest peaks are observed in experiments and the highest one is tacitly resolved in moderately doped cuprates. Comparison of OC with the results of semianalytic approaches and detailed analysis of the calculated isotope effect indicate that the middle-energy MIR peak is of mostly magnetic origin while the lowest MIR band originates from the scattering of holes by phonons.

• Received 8 October 2009

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.80.195104