$\mathbf{\Delta}$S$^z$=2 quantum magnetization discontinuities proportional in number to the spin s in C$_{60}$: Origin and the role of symmetry

TL;DR

This paper investigates how the symmetry of C$_{60}$ influences its quantum magnetization discontinuities, revealing a proportional relationship with the spin quantum number and linking the phenomena to the classical limit.

Contribution

It demonstrates the origin of magnetization discontinuities in C$_{60}$ and C$_{20}$ molecules through symmetry considerations and the antiferromagnetic Ising limit.

Findings

Discontinuities are proportional to the spin quantum number s.

Discontinuities originate from the antiferromagnetic Ising limit.

Symmetry dictates the magnetic response of fullerene molecules.

Abstract

The quantum antiferromagnetic Heisenberg model on the fullerene C$_{60}$ in a magnetic field has $4s$ ground-state magnetization discontinuities with $\Delta S^z=2$ as a function of the spin quantum number $s$ that disappear at the classical limit. The molecule can be seen as the fullerene C$_{20}$ with interpentagon interactions that generate the discontinuities when sufficiently strong. The discontinuities originate from the antiferromagnetic Ising limit for both molecules. The results show how spatial symmetry dictates the magnetic response of the $I_h$ fullerene molecules.