Dynamics of fractionalization in quantum spin liquids
File(s)
Accepted version
Author(s)
Knolle, J
Kovrizhin, DL
Chalker, JT
Moessner, R
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
We present the theory of dynamical spin response for the Kitaev honeycomb model, obtaining exact results for the structure factor (SF) in gapped and gapless, Abelian and non-Abelian quantum spin-liquid (QSL) phases. We also describe the advances in methodology necessary to compute these results. The structure factor shows signatures of spin fractionalization into emergent quasiparticles: Majorana fermions and fluxes of
Z
2
gauge field. In addition to a broad continuum from spin fractionalization, we find sharp
(
δ
-function) features in the response. These arise in two distinct ways: from excited states containing only (static) fluxes and no (mobile) fermions, and from excited states in which fermions are bound to fluxes. The SF is markedly different in Abelian and non-Abelian QSLs, and bound fermion-flux composites appear only in the non-Abelian phase.
Z
2
gauge field. In addition to a broad continuum from spin fractionalization, we find sharp
(
δ
-function) features in the response. These arise in two distinct ways: from excited states containing only (static) fluxes and no (mobile) fermions, and from excited states in which fermions are bound to fluxes. The SF is markedly different in Abelian and non-Abelian QSLs, and bound fermion-flux composites appear only in the non-Abelian phase.
Date Issued
2015-09-14
Date Acceptance
2015-07-10
Citation
Physical review B: Condensed matter and materials physics, 2015, 92 (11)
ISSN
1098-0121
Publisher
American Physical Society
Journal / Book Title
Physical review B: Condensed matter and materials physics
Volume
92
Issue
11
Copyright Statement
Dynamics of fractionalization in quantum spin liquids
J. Knolle, D. L. Kovrizhin, J. T. Chalker, and R. Moessner
Phys. Rev. B 92, 115127 – Published 14 September 2015
J. Knolle, D. L. Kovrizhin, J. T. Chalker, and R. Moessner
Phys. Rev. B 92, 115127 – Published 14 September 2015
Subjects
Science & Technology
Physical Sciences
Physics, Condensed Matter
Physics
CHAIN
EXCITATIONS
SCATTERING
METALS
PHASE
MODEL
STATE
BAND
Publication Status
Published
Article Number
115127