Easy-axis Heisenberg model on the triangular lattice: from supersolid to gapped solid

Abstract

We investigate the easy-axis Heisenberg model on the triangular lattice by numerically studying the ground-state dynamical spin structure factor $S^{\mu\mu}({\bf q},\omega)$ on lattices up to $N=36$ sites. Results are analyzed within the supersolid scenario, characterized by the translation-symmetry-breaking parameter $m_z$ and the rotational supersolid order parameter $m_\perp$. We find very robust $m_z > 0$ in the whole easy-axis anisotropy regime $\alpha = J_\perp/J_z > 0$, even enhanced by the magnetic field $h>0$. Results support also $m_\perp >0$ for intermediate $\alpha <1$ as well as for $h>0$. Still, at small $\alpha \ll 1$, relevant for recent experiments on the magnetic material K$_2$Co(SeO$_3$)$_2$, we find at $h=0$ rather vanishing $m_\perp \sim 0$, reflecting the gapped spin excitations.