Magnetic Field Response of Dipolar-Octupolar Quantum Spin Ice

Abstract

Dipolar-octupolar (DO) pyrochlore systems Ce$_2$(Zr,Sn,Hf)$_2$O$_7$ have garnered much attention as recent investigations suggest that they may stabilize a novel quantum spin ice (QSI), a quantum spin liquid (QSL) with an emergent $U(1)$ gauge field. In particular, the experimentally estimated microscopic exchange parameters place Ce$_2$Zr$_2$O$_7$ in the $\pi$-flux QSI regime, and recent neutron scattering experiments have corroborated some key theoretical predictions. On the other hand, to make a definitive conclusion, more multifaceted experimental signatures are desirable. In this regard, recent neutron scattering investigation of the magnetic field dependence of the spin correlations in Ce$_2$Zr$_2$O$_7$ may provide valuable information. However, there have not been any comprehensive theoretical studies for comparison. In this work, we provide such information using gauge mean-field theory (GMFT), allowing for theoretical investigation beyond the perturbative regime. In particular, we construct the phase diagrams for the [110], [111], and [001] field directions. Furthermore, we demonstrate the distinctive evolution of the equal-time and dynamical spin structure factors as a function of the magnetic field for each field direction. These predictions will help future experiments confirm the true nature of the DO-QSI.