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Updated: Feb 22, 2026

Author Spotlight: Magnetometric Characterization of Intermediates in the Solid-State Electrochemistry of Redox-Active Metal-Organic Frameworks
Published on: June 9, 2023
Models and materials for generalized Kitaev magnetism
Stephen M Winter1, Alexander A Tsirlin2, Maria Daghofer3
1Institut für Theoretische Physik, Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 1, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
This review explores Kitaev materials, focusing on spin-orbital interactions for novel spin-liquid states. We examine real materials like Na2IrO3 and alpha-RuCl3, discussing experimental and theoretical findings.
Area of Science:
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Quantum Materials
Background:
- The Kitaev model on the honeycomb lattice is a key theoretical framework for understanding quantum spin liquids.
- Novel spin-liquid states with fractionalized excitations are sought after for potential applications in quantum computing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the Jackeli-Khaliullin mechanism for identifying Kitaev materials.
- To provide a comprehensive overview of Kitaev materials, focusing on experimental and theoretical insights.
Main Methods:
- Review of experimental results on planar and 3D honeycomb systems.
- Analysis of theoretical understanding of spin-orbital dependent bond interactions.
Main Results:
- Identification of Na2IrO3, alpha-Li2IrO3, alpha-RuCl3, and beta-/gamma-Li2IrO3 as key Kitaev material candidates.
- Discussion of the role of spin-orbital interactions in realizing Kitaev physics.
Conclusions:
- Kitaev materials offer a promising platform for realizing exotic quantum states.
- Further research is needed to address open questions and explore new candidates.
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