Dynamics of the Kitaev-Heisenberg Model

We introduce a matrix-product state based method to efficiently obtain dynamical response functions for two-dimensional microscopic Hamiltonians. We apply this method to different phases of the Kitaev-Heisenberg model and identify characteristic dynamical features. In the ordered phases proximate to the spin liquid, we find significant broad high-energy features beyond spin-wave theory, which resemble those of the Kitaev model. This establishes the concept of a proximate spin liquid, which was recently invoked in the context of inelastic neutron scattering experiments on α-RuCl₃. Our results provide an example of a natural path for proximate spin liquid features to arise at high energies above a conventionally ordered state, as the diffuse remnants of spin-wave bands intersect to yield a broad peak at the Brillouin zone center.