Heisenberg-Kitaev models on hyperhoneycomb and stripy-honeycomb lattices: 3D-2D equivalence of ordered states and phase diagrams

Abstract

We discuss magnetically ordered states, arising in Heisenberg-Kitaev and related spin models, on three-dimensional (3D) harmonic honeycomb lattices. For large classes of ordered states, we show that they can be mapped onto two-dimensional (2D) counterparts on the honeycomb lattice, with the classical energetics being identical in the 2D and 3D cases. As an example, we determine the phase diagram of the classical nearest-neighbor Heisenberg-Kitaev model on the hyperhoneycomb lattice in a magnetic field: This displays rich and complex behavior akin to its 2D counterpart, with most phases and phase boundaries coinciding exactly. To make contact with the physics of the hyperhoneycomb iridate $\beta$-Li$_2$IrO$_3$, we also include a symmetric off-diagonal $\Gamma$ interaction, discuss its 3D-2D mapping, and determine the relevant phase diagrams. In particular, we demonstrate explicitly the adiabatic equivalence of the spiral magnetic orders in $\alpha$- and $\beta$-Li$_2$IrO$_3$. Our results pave the way to a systematic common understanding of 2D and 3D Kitaev materials.