We present the mean-field phase diagram of electrons in a kagome flat band with repulsive interactions. In addition to flat-band ferromagnetism, the Hartree-Fock analysis yields cascades of unconventional magnetic orders driven by on-site repulsion as filling changes. These include a series of antiferromagnetic (AFM) spin-charge stripe orders, as well as an evolution from 120∘ AFM to intriguing noncoplanar spin orders with tetrahedral structures. We also map out the phase diagram under extended repulsion at half and empty fillings of the flat band. To examine the possibilities beyond the mean-field level, we conduct a projective symmetry group analysis and identify the feasible ℤ2 spin liquids and the magnetic orders derivable from them. The theoretical phase diagrams are compared with recent experiments on FeSn and FeGe, enabling a determination of the most likely magnetic instabilities in these and similar flat-band kagome materials.
Abstract:
Publication date:
July 29, 2024
Publication type:
Journal Article