Modelling emergent quantum electrodynamics in dipolar-octupolar quantum spin ice

Despite decades of research, the definitive experimental identification of a quantum spin liquid (QSL) remains an ongoing challenge in condensed matter physics. Notably, extensive efforts have focused on realizing quantum spin ice (QSI), a paradigmatic three-dimensional U(1) QSL that provides a lattice realization of quantum electrodynamics. There is mounting experimental evidence that Cerium-based dipolar-octupolar materials may realize so-called π-flux QSI, a symmetry-enriched QSL. I will discuss theoretical efforts to build some effective model of the π-flux QSI phase and compare predictions with recent numerical and experimental results. I will end by critically comparing experimental data with theoretical expectations for the thermodynamic behavior of QSI.