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    Kitaev meets Affleck-Kennedy-Lieb-Tasaki: Competing quantum disorder in spin-3/2 honeycomb systems

    Sogen Ikegami1,*, Kiyu Fukui2, Rico Pohle3, and Yukitoshi Motome1,†

    • *Contact author: ikegami-sogen443@g.ecc.u-tokyo.ac.jp
    • †Contact author: motome@ap.t.u-tokyo.ac.jp

    Phys. Rev. B 113, 144433 – Published 24 April, 2026

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/k9dl-fd7z

    Abstract

    We investigate an S=3/2 quantum spin model on a two-dimensional honeycomb lattice that continuously interpolates between two paradigmatic quantum disordered states with distinct entanglement structures: the Kitaev quantum spin liquid and the Affleck-Kennedy-Lieb-Tasaki (AKLT) valence bond solid. Combining classical, semiclassical, and exact diagonalization approaches, we map out the ground-state phase diagram and elucidate the role of quantum fluctuations across the entire parameter range. While classical and semiclassical frameworks predict noncoplanar orders competing with a collinear Néel state, we find these phases to be fragile: once full quantum fluctuations are included, they melt into a quantum-entangled state characterized by suppressed spin correlations and enhanced entanglement entropy. Our findings highlight how competition between qualitatively different quantum disordered phases provides a fertile playground for unconventional phases emerging from their interplay and quantum fluctuations.

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