- Letter
Dominant Kitaev interaction and field-induced quantum disordered phase in the cobaltate
Phys. Rev. B 112, L241108 – Published 5 December, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/r574-yrrp
Abstract
The identification of quantum spin-liquid phases in Kitaev candidate materials remains a major experimental challenge. Since most Kitaev candidates develop antiferromagnetic (AFM) order at low temperatures, currently there is great interest on the field-induced magnetic disordered phase in these compounds that are distinct from (partially) polarized states. Recently, a cobaltate has emerged as a promising Kitaev candidate with high-spin configuration and spin-orbit-entangled honeycomb lattice system. There are intensive studies on field-induced magnetic states and phase transitions under in-plane magnetic fields. In this study, we propose an intermediate disordered phase induced by an out-of-plane field along the -axis, through high-field magnetization and magnetocaloric effect measurements. To explain the high-field behavior of , we develop an effective spin model featuring a dominant AFM Kitaev interaction. This framework uncovers an intermediate quantum spin-liquid phase, establishing the material as a unique platform for exploring Kitaev physics and field-induced quantum-disordered states.