A simple expression to compute the quantum discord between two orbitals in fermion systems is derived using the parity superselection rule. As the correlation between orbitals depends on the basis chosen, we discuss a special orbital basis, the natural one. We show that quantum correlations between natural orbital pairs disappear when the pairing tensor is zero, i.e., the particle number symmetry is preserved. The Hartree-Fock orbitals within a Slater determinant state, Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov quasiparticle orbitals in a quasiparticle vacuum, or the ground state of a Hamiltonian with particle symmetry and their corresponding natural orbitals are some relevant examples of natural bases and their corresponding states. Since natural orbitals have that special property, we seek the quantum discord in non-natural orbital bases. We analyze our findings in the context of the Lipkin-Meshkov-Glick and Agassi models.

• Received 3 December 2020
• Revised 4 February 2021
• Accepted 5 March 2021

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.103.032426