Quadrupolar correlations and spin freezing in S = 1 triangular lattice antiferromagnets

Details Quadrupolar correlations and spin freezing in S = 1 triangular lattice antiferromagnets Quadrupolar correlations and spin freezing in S = 1 triangular lattice antiferromagnets

2009-04-29

arxiv.org/abs/0904.4683v2

Phys. Rev. B 79, 214436 (2009).

Physics

Condensed Matter

Strongly Correlated Electrons

13 pages, 7 figures, modified acknowledgements section

Scientific paper

10.1103/PhysRevB.79.214436

Motivated by experiments on NiGa2S4, we discuss characteristic (finite temperature) properties of spin S = 1 quantum antiferromagnets on the triangular lattice. Several recent theoretical studies have suggested the possibility of quadrupolar (spin-nematic) ground states in the presence of sufficient biquadratic exchange. We argue that quadrupolar correlations are substantially more robust than the spin-nematic ground state, and give rise to a two peak structure of the specific heat. We characterize this behavior by a novel T > 0 semiclassical approximation, which is amenable to efficient Monte Carlo simulations. Turning to low temperatures, we consider the effects of weak disorder on incommensurate magnetic order, which is present when interactions beyond nearest neighbor exchange are substantial. We show that non-magnetic impurities act as random fields on a component of the order parameter, leading to the disruption of long-range magnetic order even when the defects are arbitrarily weak. Instead, a gradual freezing phenomena is expected on lowering the temperature, with no sharp transition but a rapid slowing of dynamics and the development of substantial spin-glass-like correlations. We discuss these observations in relation to measurements of NiGa2S4.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Quadrupolar correlations and spin freezing in S = 1 triangular lattice antiferromagnets does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Quadrupolar correlations and spin freezing in S = 1 triangular lattice antiferromagnets, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Quadrupolar correlations and spin freezing in S = 1 triangular lattice antiferromagnets will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-512881