Revisiting the $J_1$-$J_2$ Heisenberg Model on a Triangular Lattice: Quasi-Degenerate Ground States and Phase Competition

Abstract

It is generally believed that the spin-$\tfrac{1}{2}$ triangular-lattice $J_1$-$J_2$ Heisenberg model hosts a quantum spin liquid in the intermediate regime between the $120^\circ$ and stripe ordered phases. Density matrix renormalization group studies on cylinders have consistently found two nearly degenerate ground states, commonly interpreted as distinct topological sectors. Using state-of-the-art matrix product state simulations on YC6 cylinders, we compare the static and dynamical properties of these two sectors at $J_2/J_1 = 0.125$. Noticeable differences appear already in static correlations; moreover, high-resolution dynamical structure factors reveal qualitatively distinct low-energy excitations. These results suggest that the two ground states cannot be understood as merely topologically distinct sectors of a gapped $\mathbb{Z}_2$ spin liquid.