arXiv:1709.10019 · Physical review. B./Physical review. B
Topological Z2 resonating-valence-bond spin liquid on the square lattice
Ji-Yao Chen, Didier Poilblanc
Abstract
A one-parameter family of long-range resonating-valence-bond (RVB) state on the square lattice was previously proposed to describe a critical spin liquid (SL) phase of the spin-1/2 frustrated Heisenberg model. We provide evidence that this RVB state in fact also realizes a topological (long-range entangled) ${\mathbb{Z}}_{2}$ SL, limited by two transitions to critical SL phases. The topological phase is naturally connected to the ${\mathbb{Z}}_{2}$ gauge symmetry of the local tensor. This Rapid Communication shows that, on one hand, spin-1/2 topological SL with ${C}_{4v}$ point-group symmetry and $SU(2)$ spin rotation symmetry exists on the square lattice and, on the other hand, criticality and nonbipartiteness are compatible. We also point out that strong similarities between our phase diagram and the ones of classical interacting dimer models suggest both can be described by similar Kosterlitz-Thouless transitions. This scenario is further supported by the analysis of the one-dimensional boundary state. Forms of parent Hamiltonians hosting the ${\mathbb{Z}}_{2}$ SL are suggested.