Generation of large moments in a spin-1 chain with random antiferromagnetic couplings

Kun Yang, R. N. Bhatt

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

16 Scopus citations

Abstract

We study the spin-1 chain with nearest neighbor couplings that are rotationally invariant, but include both Heisenberg and biquadratic exchange, with random strengths. We demonstrate, using perturbative renormalization group methods as well as exact diagonalization of clusters, that the system generates ferromagnetic couplings under certain circumstances even when all the bare couplings are antiferromagnetic. This disorder induced instability leads to formation of large magnetic moments at low temperatures, and is a purely quantum mechanical effect that does not have a classical counterpart. The physical origin of this instability, as well as its consequences, are discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)4562-4565
Number of pages4
JournalPhysical review letters
Volume80
Issue number20
DOIs
StatePublished - 1998

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Physics and Astronomy(all)

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