Quantum disordered insulating phase in the frustrated cubic-lattice Hubbard model

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Contributors

Abstract

In the quest for quantum spin liquids in three spatial dimensions (3D), we study the half-filled Hubbard model on the simple cubic lattice with hopping processes up to third neighbors. Employing the variational cluster approach (VCA), we determine the zero-temperature phase diagram: In addition to a paramagnetic metal at small interaction strength U and various antiferromagnetic insulators at large U, we find an intermediate-U antiferromagnetic metal. Most interestingly, we also identify a nonmagnetic insulating region, extending from intermediate to strong U. Using VCA results in the large-U limit, we establish the phase diagram of the corresponding J1-J2-J3 Heisenberg model. This is qualitatively confirmed - including the nonmagnetic region - using spin-wave theory. Further analysis reveals a striking similarity to the behavior of the J1-J2 square-lattice Heisenberg model, suggesting that the nonmagnetic region may host a 3D spin-liquid phase.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number041106
JournalPhysical Review B
Volume93
Issue number4
Publication statusPublished - 19 Jan 2016
Peer-reviewedYes