We discuss the structure of topological solitons in a general non-Heisenberg model of isotropic two-dimensional magnet with spin S=1, in the vicinity of a special point where the model symmetry is enhanced to SU(3). It is shown that upon perturbing the SU(3) symmetry, solitons with odd topological charge become unstable and bind into pairs.
We overview physical effects of exchange frustration and quantum spin fluctuations in (quasi-) two dimensional (2D) quantum magnets ($S=1/2$) with square, rectangular and triangular structure. Our discussion is based on the $J_1$-$J_2$ type frustrated exchange model and its generalizations. These models are closely related and allow to tune between different phases, magnetically ordered as well as more exotic nonmagnetic quantum phases by changing only one or two control parameters. We survey ground state properties like magnetization, saturation fields, ordered moment and structure factor in the full phase diagram as obtained from numerical exact diagonalization computations and analytical linear spin wave theory. We also review finite temperature properties like susceptibility, specific heat and magnetocaloric effect using the finite temperature Lanczos method. This method is powerful to determine the exchange parameters and g-factors from experimental results. We focus mostly on the observable physical frustration effects in magnetic phases where plenty of quasi-2D material examples exist to identify the influence of quantum fluctuations on magnetism.
The existence of Neel order in the S=1/2 Heisenberg model on the square lattice at T=0 is shown using inequalities set up by Kennedy, Lieb and Shastry in combination with high precision Quantum Monte Carlo data.
Frustrated magnets in high magnetic field have a long history of offering beautiful surprises to the patient investigator. Here we present the results of extensive classical Monte Carlo simulations of a variety of models of two dimensional magnets in magnetic field, together with complementary spin wave analysis. Striking results include (i) a massively enhanced magnetocaloric effect in antiferromagnets bordering on ferromagnetic order, (ii) a route to an $m=1/3$ magnetization plateau on a square lattice, and (iii) a cascade of phase transitions in a simple model of AgNiO$_2$.
Quantum magnets provide the simplest example of strongly interacting quantum matter, yet they continue to resist a comprehensive understanding above one spatial dimension (1D). In 1D, a key ingredient to progress is Luttinger liquid theory which provides a unified description. Here we explore a promising analogous framework in two dimensions, the Dirac spin liquid (DSL), which can be constructed on several different lattices. The DSL is a version of Quantum Electrodynamics ( QED$_3$) with four flavors of Dirac fermions coupled to photons. Importantly, its excitations also include magnetic monopoles that drive confinement. By calculating the complete action of symmetries on monopoles on the square, honeycomb, triangular and kagom`e lattices, we answer previously open key questions. We find that the stability of the DSL is enhanced on the triangular and kagom`e lattices as compared to the bipartite (square and honeycomb) lattices. We obtain the universal signatures of the DSL on the triangular and kagom`e lattices, including those that result from monopole excitations, which serve as a guide to numerics and to experiments on existing materials. Interestingly, the familiar 120 degree magnetic orders on these lattices can be obtained from monopole proliferation. Even when unstable, the Dirac spin liquid unifies multiple ordered states which could help organize the plethora of phases observed in strongly correlated two-dimensional materials.
The magnetic properties of Na2CuP2O7 were investigated by means of 31P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), magnetic susceptibility, and heat capacity measurements. We report the 31P NMR shift, the spin-lattice 1/T1, and spin-spin 1/T2 relaxation-rate data as a function of temperature T. The temperature dependence of the NMR shift K(T) is well described by the S=1/2 square lattice Heisenberg antiferromagnetic (HAF) model with an intraplanar exchange of J/k_B simeq 18pm2 K and a hyperfine coupling A = (3533pm185) Oe/mu_B. The 31P NMR spectrum was found to broaden abruptly below T sim 10 K signifying some kind of transition. However, no anomaly was noticed in the bulk susceptibility data down to 1.8 K. The heat capacity appears to have a weak maximum around 10 K. With decrease in temperatures, the spin-lattice relaxation rate 1/T1 decreases monotonically and appears to agree well with the high temperature series expansion expression for a S = 1/2 2D square lattice.