Work

Variational study of triangular lattice spin- 1∕2 model with ring exchanges and spin liquid state in κ−(ET)2Cu2(CN)3

Year: 2005

Type: article

Abstract: We study triangular lattice spin-$1∕2$ system with antiferromagnetic Heisenberg and ring exchanges using variational approach focusing on possible realization of spin-liquid states. Trial spin liquid wave functions are obtained by Gutzwiller projection of fermionic mean-field states and their energetics is compared against magnetically ordered trial states. We find that in a range of the ring exchange coupling upon destroying the antiferromagnetic order, the best such spin liquid state is essentially a Gutzwiller-projected Fermi sea state. We propose this spin liquid with a spinon Fermi surface as a candidate for the nonmagnetic insulating phase observed in the organic compound $\ensuremath{\kappa}\text{\ensuremath{-}}{(\mathrm{ET})}_{2}{\mathrm{Cu}}_{2}{(\mathrm{CN})}_{3}$, and describe some experimental consequences of this proposal.

Source: Physical Review B

DOI: 10.1103/physrevb.72.045105

Author: Olexei I. Motrunich

Institutions: University of California, Santa Barbara, Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics

Language: English

Topic: Advanced Condensed Matter Physics

Subfield: Condensed Matter Physics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Science Foundation, Division of Materials Research, Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics, University of California, Santa Barbara

Awards: Institute for Theoretical Physics, G2475128736, MIT Materials Research Science and Engineering Center, Physics of Strong Disorder and Correlation