Jinsheng Li L&S Math & Physical Sciences
Quantum Spin Liquids and the Heavy-Hexagon Lattice
Exotic phases of matter challenge our conventional understanding of quantum mechanics, offering a fascinating domain in advancement of theoretical physics and technological applications. At the forefront is the quantum spin liquid (QSL), a perplexing phase in which spins remain disordered and entangled even at absolute zero, defying normal expectations of magnetic order. This project aims to unravel the QSL’s underlying physics using the heavy-hexagonal lattice, an engineered blend of honeycomb and kagome architectures.
By examining phase transitions in the Heisenberg J1-J2 Hamiltonian on this lattice, where competing nearest-neighbor and next-nearest-neighbor interactions create frustration, we aim to explore the collapse of conventional macroscopic order that leads to exotic behavior. The heavy-hexagonal geometry has already demonstrated practical potential, featuring in IBM’s quantum processors to enhance scalability and reduce error rates. Leveraging numerical methods like Density Matrix Renormalization Group (DMRG), this research will probe strongly correlated quantum systems, accelerating our quest for electronic transport, superconductivity, and quantum computation.
Message To Sponsor
I am very grateful for your support of my summer research project with the Zaletel Group. This project will further our understanding of computational condensed matter physics, and prepare me for a career in scientific research. Thank you for your dedication to undergraduate education and research.