Work

Tangle of spin double helices in the honeycomb Kitaev- Γ model

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: We investigate the ground-state nature of the honeycomb Kitaev- Γ model in the material-relevant parameter regime through a combination of analytics and classical and quantum simulations. We find the classical model is imprinted with a tangle of highly structured spin double helices. This helix tangle consists of 18 inequivalent helices and features modulation of multiple rotation axes, an anisotropy in spacial periodicities indicative of spontaneous symmetry breaking, and a sgn ( Γ ) -determined chirality pattern. Infinite projected entangled pair state simulations with clusters of up to 36 sites identify hallmarks of this unprecedented many-body order in the quantum spin- 1 / 2 model. Our findings provide a fresh perspective of the Kitaev- Γ model and enrich the physics of the Kitaev magnetism.

Source: Physical review. B./Physical review. B

DOI: 10.1103/cglm-2ctt

Authors: Jheng-Wei Li, Nihal Rao, Jan von Delft, Lode Pollet, Ke Liu

Institutions: Munich Center for Quantum Science and Technology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Université Grenoble Alpes

Language: English

Topic: Advanced Condensed Matter Physics

Subfield: Condensed Matter Physics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Funders: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, Seventh Framework Programme

Awards: G4451915450, EXC 2111: Munich Center for Quantum Science and Technology (MCQST)