Investigate the effective model in a Kitaev candidate material

Recently, magnetic systems with significant anisotropic properties have garnered considerable interest. The renowned S = 1/2 Kitaev model proposes a route to achieve the quantum spin liquid ground state and unique anyonic excitations through bond-dependent anisotropy. Thus, studying and realizing this model is important for exploring new quantum phases and advancing quantum computations. Recently, discussions on Kitaev physics have expanded to include the S=1 case, with predictions of reduced isotropic Heisenberg terms and the derivation of Kitaev terms from the strong SOC of ligand ions via super-exchange processes. These proposals potentially enrich the pool of Kitaev material candidates. NiI2, a van der Waals material, is a rare example of an S=1 magnet proposed to host Kitaev physics. Additionally, such systems with noncollinear magnetic structures and potential bond-dependent anisotropy contain rich physics, such as magnon decay and avoided decay due to strong magnon-magnon interactions. Furthermore, type-2 multiferroics near room temperature, along with magnetic control, make NiI2 a promising platform for creating faster and smaller memory devices. Investigations into the magnetic excitations of NiI2 are crucial to resolving these issues. Therefore, INS data is urgently required. We believe that research on NiI2 will significantly advance our understanding of the physics derived from the Kitaev models, particularly those involving higher spins.