Presentation Information
[2H03]Quantum interference in a monolayer Kitaev quantum spin liquid Candidate
*Yuhki Kohsaka1 (1. Department of Physics, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University)
Single atomic defects provide unique probes into host quantum states, as collective responses emerge locally around them. However, quantum spin liquids (QSLs) pose a challenge due to charge-neutral fractionalized quasiparticles and their insulating nature. Using spectroscopic-imaging scanning tunneling microscopy, we present atomically resolved images of monolayer α-RuCl3, a leading Kitaev QSL candidate. We observe quantum interference manifested as incommensurate, decaying spatial oscillations of the local density of states around defects with distinct bias dependence. These oscillations differ from known patterns and are absent in other Mott insulators, suggesting they arise from excitations unique to α-RuCl3. This reveals a new way to explore Kitaev QSLs via local defect responses, analogous to Friedel oscillations in metals.