A theory of the quantum spin liquid in the hyper-honeycomb metal-organic framework [(C$_2$H$_5$)$_3$NH]$_2$Cu$_2$(C$_2$O$_4$)$_3$ from first principles

Abstract

We construct a tight-binding model of [(C$_2$H$_5$)$_3$NH]$_2$Cu$_2$(C$_2$O$_4$)$_3$ from Wannier orbital overlaps. Including interactions within the Jahn-Teller distorted Cu-centered $e_g$ Wannier orbitals leads to an effective Heisenberg model. The hyper-honeycomb lattice contains two symmetry distinct sublattices of Cu atoms arranged in coupled chains. One sublattice is strongly dimerized, the other forms isotropic antiferromagnetic chains. Integrating out the strongest (intradimer) exchange interactions leaves extremely weakly coupled Heisenberg chains, consistent with the observed low temperature physics.