Electronic structure of the harmonic-honeycomb iridates $\alpha$, $\beta$, $\gamma$-Li$_2$IrO$_3$

ORAL

Abstract

Using ab-initio density functional theory we investigate the electronic and magnetic properties of the harmonic-honeycomb iridates $\alpha$, $\beta$, $\gamma$-Li$_2$IrO$_3$ with honeycomb, hyperhoneycomb and stripyhoneycomb crystal structures, respectively. We discuss the distinct features of each class of systems in terms of possible Ir-based molecular-orbitals and the implications on the magnetism in these materials. We further relate the electronic structure to proposals of generalized Kitaev-Heisenberg models.

*This work is supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft under Grant No. FG 1346

Authors

  • Roser Valenti

    • Goethe University
    • Institut f\"ur Theoretische Physik, Goethe-Universit\"at Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Stra{\ss}e 1, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
    • Goethe-Universitaet Frankfurt
    • Institute for Theoretical Physics, University of Frankfurt, Frankfurt a.M., Germany
    • University of Frankfurt
    • University Frankfurt
  • Ying Li

    • Institut f\"ur Theoretische Physik, Goethe-Universit\"at Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Stra{\ss}e 1, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
  • Harald O. Jeschke

    • Goethe University
    • Institut f\"ur Theoretische Physik, Goethe-Universit\"at Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Stra{\ss}e 1, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
    • Goethe-Universitaet Frankfurt
    • Institute for Theoretical Physics, University of Frankfurt, Frankfurt a.M., Germany
    • University Frankfurt