Valence bond phases of herbertsmithite and related copper kagome materials

TL;DR

This paper investigates the symmetry and valence bond patterns in herbertsmithite and related copper kagome materials, revealing potential distortions and their implications for understanding quantum spin liquids.

Contribution

It analyzes known and possible structural distortions and their impact on valence bond phases in herbertsmithite and similar compounds.

Findings

Symmetry lower than trigonal space group in herbertsmithite

Possible valence bond patterns linked to structural distortions

Relevance to quantum spin liquid physics

Abstract

Recent evidence from magnetic torque, electron spin resonance, and second harmonic generation indicate that the prototypical quantum spin liquid candidate, herbertsmithite, has a symmetry lower than its x-ray refined trigonal space group. Here, we consider known and possible distortions of this mineral class, along with related copper kagome oxides and fluorides, relate these to possible valence bond patterns, and comment on their relevance to the physics of these interesting materials.