Interplay of spin-orbit coupling and electron-electron correlations in Iridates

Quantum spin liquids and Topological insulators are prototypes of phases whose properties are not captured within the framework of spontaneous symmetry breaking. Recent parallel developments in material sciences and theory have led to exciting possibilities of realizing these and other phases in a class of Iridium based compounds. This is primarily due to the interplay of strong spin-orbit coupling and electron-electron interactions in Iridates. In this talk, I shall discuss such phases in context of two families of Iridates— the honeycomb and the Hyper-honeycomb, which have been synthesized. In particular, I shall focus on the a Topological Band insulator and a three dimensional Z2 spin liquid that may be stabilized in hyper-honeycomb iridates.