Spin-liquid phase of the multiple-spin exchange Hamiltonian on the triangular lattice

We performed an exact diagonalization study of the spin-liquid phase of the multiple-spin exchange model on a triangular lattice. It is characterized by no Neel long-range order, short-ranged magnetic correlations, and a spin gap. We found no long-range order in any local order parameter we investigated (chiral, dimer, etc.) The probable asymptotic ground-state degeneracy is discussed. We argue that it could be of topological origin and that the system is probably not a chiral spin liquid. A possible relation to the Affleck-Kennedy-Lieb-Tasaki, or valence-bond solid phase is discussed. [S0163-1829(99)15125-7].