Finite-temperature transition of the distorted kagome-lattice Heisenberg antiferromagnet

TL;DR

This study investigates the finite-temperature phase transition in a distorted kagome-lattice Heisenberg antiferromagnet, revealing a unique first-order transition driven by topological excitations, unlike the undistorted case.

Contribution

It provides the first Monte Carlo simulation evidence of a first-order transition in the distorted kagome Heisenberg model, highlighting the role of topological excitations.

Findings

First-order transition occurs at very low temperature.

Transition is driven by proliferation of topological excitations.

Distinct from the undistorted kagome-lattice antiferromagnet.

Abstract

Motivated by the recent experiment on kagome-lattice antiferromagnets, we study the zero-field ordering behavior of the antiferromagnetic classical Heisenberg model on a uniaxially distorted kagome lattice by Monte Carlo simulations. A first-order transition, which has no counterpart in the corresponding undistorted model, takes place at a very low temperature. Origin of the transition is ascribed to a cooperative proliferation of topological excitations inherent to the model.