Quantum Spin-Wave Theory for non-collinear Spin Structures, a Review

TL;DR

This review discusses the development and application of quantum spin-wave theory to non-collinear spin structures, emphasizing systems with frustration and complex ground states, using Green's function methods to analyze excitations and magnetizations.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of spin-wave results for non-collinear systems, including new unpublished findings and methodological discussions.

Findings

Spin-wave dispersion relations for frustrated systems

Layer-dependent magnetization profiles at various temperatures

Application of Green's function method to complex spin states

Abstract

In this review, we trace the evolution of the quantum spin-wave theory treating non-collinear spin configurations. Non-collinear spin configurations are consequences of the frustration created by competing interactions. They include simple chiral magnets due to competing nearest-neighbor (NN) and next-NN interactions and systems with geometry frustration such as the triangular antiferromagnet and the Kagom\'e lattice. We review here spin-wave results of such systems and also systems with the Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction. Accent is put on these non-collinear ground states which have to be calculated before applying any spin-wave theory to determine the spectrum of the elementary excitations from the ground states. We mostly show results obtained by the use of a Green's function method. These results include the spin-wave dispersion relation and the magnetizations, layer by layer, as functions of $T$ in 2D, 3D and thin films. Some new unpublished results are also included. Technical details and discussion on the method are shown and discussed.