Where is the spin liquid in maple-leaf quantum magnet?

TL;DR

This paper explores the potential for quantum spin liquid and deconfined quantum critical points in a frustrated maple-leaf lattice model, using advanced computational methods to identify promising regions with exotic quantum phases.

Contribution

It identifies a specific parameter region in the maple-leaf lattice model where quantum spin liquid and DQCP phenomena are likely to occur, supported by bond-operator mean-field and DMRG calculations.

Findings

Evidence of a quantum spin liquid phase

Identification of a phase boundary with Ne9el order and dimerized phase

Potential realization of DQCP in the model

Abstract

We investigate the possibility of exotic phenomena, viz. quantum spin liquid (QSL) or deconfined quantum critical point (DQCP), in the spin-$\frac{1}{2}$ Heisenberg model on the maple-leaf lattice, a geometrically frustrated system formed by hexagons (coupling $J_h$), triangles (coupling $J_t$), and dimers (coupling $J_d$). We identify one promising region, given by $J_h > 0$ and $J_t, J_d < 0$, for hosting enticing physics. In this region, the quantum phase diagram of the system exhibits an interplay between N\'eel order and a gapped dimerized singlet phase. This arrangement holds the possibility of harboring a QSL and a DQCP. Using bond-operator mean-field theory and density matrix renormalization group calculations, we delve into this uncharted territory, revealing tantalizing evidence of the existence of a QSL phase and highlighting its potential as a platform for DQCP.