We study the ground state phase diagram of the Shastry-Sutherland model by using the variational optimization of the infinite tensor network states, and find a weakly first-order transition between the plaquette and the antiferromagnetic states. The full plaquette state strongly competes with the empty plaquette ground state, with an energy difference less than 10−4J. We show a staggered ring exchange interaction that preserves the Shastry-Sutherland lattice symmetry can stabilize the full plaquette ground state. In light of this, we propose the triple point where the full plaquette, empty plaquette, and antiferromagnetic phases meet as a deconfined quantum critical point.
@article{arxiv.2111.07368,
title = {First-order transition between the plaquette valence bond solid and antiferromagnetic phases of the Shastry-Sutherland model},
author = {Ning Xi and Hongyu Chen and Z. Y. Xie and Rong Yu},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2111.07368},
year = {2024}
}