Thermodynamic curvature for a two-parameter spin model with frustration

TL;DR

This paper investigates a two-parameter Ising spin chain model, analyzing how microscopic parameters influence macroscopic phases and thermodynamic properties using geometric invariants like the thermodynamic curvature.

Contribution

It introduces a detailed analysis of a decorated spin chain with two parameters, highlighting the role of thermodynamic curvature in phase characterization and the effects of frustration.

Findings

Identifies four magnetic phases based on parameter ratios.

Shows thermodynamic curvature correlates with phase transitions.

Demonstrates the dominance of the 'stiff' parameter in macroscopic behavior.

Abstract

Microscopic models of realistic thermodynamic systems usually involve a number of parameters, not all of equal macroscopic relevance. We examine a decorated $(1+3)$ Ising spin chain containing two microscopic parameters: a "stiff" $K$ mediating the long-range interactions, and a "sloppy" $J$ operating within local spin groups. $K$ dominates the macroscopic behavior, and varying $J$ has weak effect except in regions where $J$ brings about transitions between phases through its conditioning of the local spin groups with which $K$ interacts. We calculate the heat capacity $C_H$, the magnetic susceptibility $\chi_T$, and the thermodynamic curvature $R$. For large $|J/K|$, we identify four magnetic phases: ferromagnetic, antiferromagnetic, and two ferrimagnetic ones, according to the signs of $K$ and $J$. We argue that for characterizing these phases, the strongest picture is offered by the thermodynamic geometric invariant $R$, proportional to the correlation length $\xi$. This picture has correspondences to other cases, such as fluids.