Magnetization Plateaux by Reconstructed Quasi-spinons in a Frustrated Two-Leg Spin Ladder under a Magnetic Field

TL;DR

This study investigates magnetization plateaux in a frustrated two-leg spin ladder under magnetic fields, revealing reconstructed quasi-spinons and novel plateau states that differ from traditional Bose-Einstein condensation models.

Contribution

It introduces a new understanding of magnetization plateaux via reconstructed quasi-spinons in a frustrated spin ladder, highlighting different mechanisms from conventional theories.

Findings

Magnetization plateaux at 1/3, 1/2, and 2/3 due to frustration.

Plateau at 1/2 as a valence bond solid of quasi-spinons.

Plateaux at 1/3 and 2/3 linked to quasi-spinons forming soliton lattices.

Abstract

The quantum phase transitions induced by a magnetic field are theoretically studied in a frustrated two-leg spin ladder. Using the density-matrix renormalization-group method, we find some magnetic phase transitions and plateaux in two different cases of strong and weak rung couplings. With the strong rung coupling, the three magnetization plateaux are found at 1/3, 1/2, and 2/3 due to the frustration. Those can be understood in terms of a quasi-spinon reconstructed from the singlet and the triplets of spins on a rung. The plateau at 1/2 corresponds to the valence bond solid of the quasi-spinons, while the plateaux at 1/3 and 2/3 can be associated with the array of quasi-spinons such as soliton lattice. This is different from the usual Bose-Einstein-condensation picture of triplons. Our results will be useful to understand magnetization curves in BiCu$_2$PO$_6$.