Phys Rev Lett
February 2012
We figure out that the ground state of a multiple-spin exchange model applicable to thin films of solid {3}He possesses an octahedral spin nematic order. In the presence of a magnetic field, it is deformed into an antiferroquadrupolar order in the perpendicular spin plane, in which lattice Z{3} rotational symmetry is also broken. Furthermore, this system shows a narrow magnetization plateau at half, m/m{sat}=1/2, which resembles recent magnetization measurements [H.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWe consider a spin-1/2 tube (a three-leg ladder with periodic boundary conditions) with a Hamiltonian given by two projection operators-one on the triangles and the other on the square plaquettes on the side of the tube-that can be written in terms of Heisenberg and four-spin ring exchange interactions. We identify 3 phases: (i) for strongly antiferromagnetic exchange on the triangles, an exact ground state with a gapped spectrum can be given as an alternation of spin and chirality singlet bonds between nearest triangles; (ii) for ferromagnetic exchange on the triangles, we recover the phase of the spin-3/2 Heisenberg chain; (iii) between these two phases, a gapless incommensurate phase exists. We construct an exact ground state with two deconfined domain walls and a gapless excitation spectrum at the quantum phase transition point between the incommensurate and dimerized phases.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPhys Rev Lett
December 2006
We show how a gapless spin liquid with hidden octupolar order arises in an applied magnetic field, in a model applicable to thin films of 3He with competing ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic (cyclic) exchange interactions. Evidence is also presented for nematic--i.e.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWe present a new scenario for the breakdown of ferromagnetic order in a two-dimensional quantum magnet with competing ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic interactions. In this, dynamical effects lead to the formation of two-magnon bound states, which undergo Bose-Einstein condensation, giving rise to bond-centered nematic order. This scenario is explored in some detail for an extended Heisenberg model on a square lattice.
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