# Models and Materials for Generalized Kitaev Magnetism

## TL;DR

This review discusses the theoretical mechanisms and experimental progress in realizing Kitaev quantum spin liquids in honeycomb and related materials, highlighting recent advances and open questions in the field.

## Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of the Kitaev model, its material realizations, and the implications of spin-orbital interactions for quantum spin liquids.

## Key findings

- Identification of key candidate materials like Na$_2$IrO$_3$ and $eta$-Li$_2$IrO$_3$
- Experimental evidence of Kitaev interactions in real materials
- Open questions in realizing and detecting quantum spin liquids

## Abstract

The exactly solvable Kitaev model on the honeycomb lattice has recently received enormous attention linked to the hope of achieving novel spin-liquid states with fractionalized Majorana-like excitations. In this review, we analyze the mechanism proposed by G. Jackeli and G. Khaliullin to identify Kitaev materials based on spin-orbital dependent bond interactions and provide a comprehensive overview of its implications in real materials. We set the focus on experimental results and current theoretical understanding of planar honeycomb systems (Na$_2$IrO$_3$, $\alpha$-Li$_2$IrO$_3$, and $\alpha$-RuCl$_3$), three-dimensional Kitaev materials ($\beta$- and $\gamma$-Li$_2$IrO$_3$), and other potential candidates, completing the review with the list of open questions awaiting new insights.