Spin nematic order and superconductivity in $J_1$-$J_2$ Kondo lattice model on square lattice

TL;DR

This paper explores the interplay of magnetic frustration, spin nematic order, and Kondo effect in a square lattice model, revealing coexistence of nematic order and superconductivity induced by spinon pairing.

Contribution

It demonstrates the stability of spin nematic order against Kondo coupling and uncovers a coexistence phase with superconductivity in the $J_1$-$J_2$ Kondo lattice model.

Findings

Spin nematic order remains stable at low Kondo coupling.

A Fermi liquid state emerges at strong Kondo coupling.

Superconductivity coexists with spin nematic order at intermediate Kondo coupling.

Abstract

We investigate competition and cooperation of magnetic frustration and the Kondo effect in the $J_1$-$J_2$ Kondo lattice model on the square lattice at zero temperature. In this model, the frustrated interactions $J_1,J_2$ between the localized spins stabilize spin nematic orders, while the Kondo coupling favors local spin singlets. Using the slave boson mean field approximation, we find that the spin nematic order remains stable against small Kondo coupling, and the localized spins and the conduction electrons are effectively decoupled. On the other hand, a standard Fermi liquid state is formed for sufficiently strong Kondo interactions. Furthermore, in an intermediate region with moderate Kondo coupling, the spin nematic order and the Kondo effect coexist, and superconducting pairing of the conduction electrons is induced by the spinon pairing. We discuss the ground state phase diagram and nature of the quantum phase transitions between the different superconducting states.