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A quantum spin‐liquid in correlated relativistic electrons
Author(s) -
Meng Z.Y.,
Lang T.C.,
Wessel S.,
Assaad F.F.,
Muramatsu A.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
annalen der physik
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.009
H-Index - 68
eISSN - 1521-3889
pISSN - 0003-3804
DOI - 10.1002/andp.201100275
Subject(s) - quantum spin liquid , physics , condensed matter physics , mott insulator , quantum monte carlo , valence bond theory , electron , superconductivity , quantum , graphene , dirac fermion , fermion , topological insulator , spin (aerodynamics) , quantum mechanics , monte carlo method , spin polarization , statistics , mathematics , atomic orbital , thermodynamics
In recent years, an increasing number of systems displaying exotic quantum states like unconventional superconductivity, quantum spin‐liquids, or topological states were experimentally found. Here we summarize findings in quantum Monte Carlo simulations of correlated electrons on a honeycomb lattice, the structure of graphene, that revealed an unexpected spin‐liquid emerging between a state described by massless Dirac fermions and an antiferromagnetically ordered Mott insulator. Moreover, we found that this quantum‐disordered state is a resonating valence‐bond (RVB) liquid, akin to the one proposed for high temperature superconductors. This was the first unbiased determination of a RVB‐liquid in an electronic system.