arXiv:1311.3430 · Physical Review B
Distinct-symmetry spin-liquid states and phase diagram of the Kitaev-Hubbard model
Long Liang, Ziqiang Wang, Yue Yu
Abstract
We report the finding of a series of distinct-symmetry spin-liquid (SL) states and a rich phase diagram in a half-filled honeycomb lattice Hubbard model with spin-dependent hopping amplitude ${t}^{\ensuremath{'}}$. We first study the magnetic instability of the system and find two antiferromagnetic orders beyond a critical Hubbard $U$ which increases with the ratio ${t}^{\ensuremath{'}}/t$. For ${t}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ approaching $t$, the semimetal transforms to a $U(1)$ SL and then to the Kitaev ${Z}_{2}$ SL as $U$ increases. In a wide middle range of ${t}^{\ensuremath{'}}/t$, the latter is replaced by a $U(1)$ SL to $SU(2)$ SL transition. The physical properties of the stable SL phases are discussed.