A general approach to Lieb-Schultz-Mattis type results in quantum spin systems

ORAL

Abstract

The Lieb-Schultz-Mattis (LSM) theorem states that a spin system with translation and spin rotation symmetry and half-integer spin per unit cell does not admit a trivial gapped symmetric ground state. That is, the ground state must be gapless, spontaneously break a symmetry, or be a non-trivial spin liquid. Thus, such systems are natural spin-liquid candidates. We have conjectured (and proven in certain cases) a much more general criterion that determines when an LSM-type theorem holds in a spin system. The general statement is intimately connected to recent work on the general classification of symmetry-protected topological (SPT) phases with spatial symmetries. The criterion is applicable to the experimentally relevant cases of systems with strong spin-orbit coupling, or in the presence of magnetic field.

–

Presenters

  • Dominic Else

    Department of Physics, University of California, Santa Barbara, Physics, University of California Santa Barbara, Physics, University of Califonia, Santa Barbara

Authors

  • Dominic Else

    Department of Physics, University of California, Santa Barbara, Physics, University of California Santa Barbara, Physics, University of Califonia, Santa Barbara

  • Ryan Thorngren

    Department of Mathematics, University of California, Berkeley