Octupolar order in the multiple spin exchange model on a triangular lattice

TL;DR

This paper investigates a spin model on a triangular lattice, revealing a gapless spin liquid with octupolar order under magnetic field and nematic correlations without it, relevant to thin films of 3He.

Contribution

It demonstrates the emergence of octupolar order and nematic correlations in a multiple spin exchange model, providing new insights into quantum spin liquids and related phases.

Findings

Gapless spin liquid with octupolar order in magnetic field

Nematic correlations near ferromagnetism without magnetic field

Relevance to thin films of 3He

Abstract

We show how a gapless spin liquid with hidden octupolar order arises in an applied magnetic field, in a model applicable to thin films of 3He with competing ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic (cyclic) exchange interactions. Evidence is also presented for nematic -- i.e., quadrupolar -- correlations bordering on ferromagnetism in the absence of a magnetic field.