Altermagnets with Topological Order in Kitaev Bilayers.

Area of Science:

• Condensed Matter Physics
• Quantum Magnetism
• Materials Science

Background:

• Recent advancements in altermagnetism.
• The theoretical framework of quantum spin liquids and their properties.
• The interplay between frustration and magnetic interactions in novel materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel magnetic model integrating altermagnetism and quantum spin liquids.
• To explore the emergence of topological order and fractionalized excitations.
• To identify and characterize new altermagnetic phases.

Main Methods:

• Development of a highly frustrated magnetic model with Kitaev-like interactions.
• Analysis of the model's ground state and excitation spectrum.
• Theoretical investigation of emergent topological orders and fractionalized fermionic excitations.

Main Results:

• The ground state is a gapless quantum spin liquid.
• Introduction of specific interactions leads to an altermagnetic phase with Z_{2} topological order and fractionalized excitations.
• Discovery of pseudoaltermagnetic and half-altermagnetic phases with distinct properties.

Conclusions:

• The interplay between altermagnetism and fractionalized excitations leads to rich and novel physics in quantum magnets.
• The proposed model provides a platform for studying magnetically fragmented topological altermagnets.
• Experimental detection via spin and heat transport is discussed, paving the way for future research.