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Quantum magnetism

Kitaev physics crystalized

Nature Physics volume 13, pages 1041–1042 (2017)Cite this article

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A state of matter known as a quantum spin liquid has been predicted to host Majorana fermions. Recent neutron scattering and specific heat results add to the growing body of evidence suggesting they exist in the quantum magnet α-RuCl3.

Magnetic insulators are usually associated with long-range magnetic order mediated by the exchange interaction between localized spins. However, in certain circumstances this may not be the case, and a peculiar state displaying no long-range order down to zero temperature can arise, even if the spins are strongly interacting. This state is called a quantum spin liquid (QSL)1,2, of which the Kitaev spin liquid on the honeycomb lattice3 is a quintessential example.

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Figure 1: Phase diagram for α-RuCl3.

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  1. School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, 55455, Minnesota, USA

    Natalia Perkins

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  1. Natalia Perkins
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Correspondence to Natalia Perkins.

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Perkins, N. Kitaev physics crystalized. Nature Phys 13, 1041–1042 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1038/nphys4298

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