Quantum disordered insulating phase in the frustrated cubic-lattice Hubbard model

Abstract

In the quest for quantum spin liquids in three spatial dimensions (3D), we study the half-filled Hubbard model on the simple cubic lattice with hopping processes up to third neighbors. Employing the variational cluster approach (VCA), we determine the zero-temperature phase diagram: In addition to a paramagnetic metal at small interaction strength U and various antiferromagnetic insulators at large U, we find an intermediate-U antiferromagnetic metal. Most interestingly, we also identify a non-magnetic insulating region, extending from intermediate to strong U. Using VCA results in the large-U limit, we establish the phase diagram of the corresponding J1-J2-J3 Heisenberg model. This is qualitatively confirmed - including the non-magnetic region - using spin-wave theory. Further analysis reveals a striking similarity to the behavior of the J1-J2 square-lattice Heisenberg model, suggesting that the non-magnetic region hosts a 3D spin-liquid phase.