Weak antiferromagnetism and dimer order in quantum systems of coupled tetrahedra

[摘要] We analyze the phases of an S=1/2 spin model on a lattice of coupled tetrahedra. The presence of both Heisenberg and antisymmetric, Dzyaloshinsky-Moriya interactions can lead to two types of symmetry-broken states: nonmagnetic dimer order and, unexpectedly, exotic four-sublattice weak antiferromagnetic order-a state with a generically small ordered moment and nonzero chirality. The external magnetic field also induces weak antiferromagnetism coexisting with strong dimer correlations in the ground state. These states are formed as a result of broken Ising symmetries and exhibit a number of unusual properties.

[发布日期] 2004-12-01

[关键词] HEISENBERG-ANTIFERROMAGNET;FERROMAGNETISM