An integrated theoretical and numerical approach to understand modern experiments on quantum magnetism

Abstract

In recent decades, the study of quantum magnets, which feature unconventional behaviour such as exotic quantum phase transitions and quantum spin liquids, and unconventional magnetic states of matter, has made remarkable progress. However, each of the three foundational pillars -- numerical simulations, analytical methods and, to a lesser extent, materials synthesis and experiments -- often tends to view itself as the primary driver of the field. Even though the need for collaboration among theory, numerics and experiment to understand the complex phases of quantum magnets is well established, in our view there remains a persistent perception from experts in one area that the other two serve merely as supporting tools, primarily useful for validating the dominant ideas of one speciality, and less relevant to shaping the underlying scientific narrative. We refer to this mindset as the "pride and prejudice" in modeling and understanding modern quantum magnetism. In this Perspective, we advocate for a different, more integrated approach to overcome the challenges faced by quantum magnetism researchers. We argue that this alternative mindset has already started to advance the understanding of several important quantum magnetic models and their materials realizations.