Magnetization process from Chern-Simons theory and its application to SrCu2(BO3)2

TL;DR

This paper uses Chern-Simons theory to model the magnetization process in two-dimensional magnets, specifically applying it to SrCu2(BO3)2, revealing features like magnetization plateaus linked to Hofstadter butterfly structures.

Contribution

It introduces a novel approach combining Chern-Simons gauge fields with Hofstadter problem analysis to study magnetization in 2D magnets, applied to SrCu2(BO3)2.

Findings

Identification of magnetization plateaus related to Hofstadter butterfly features

Application of Chern-Simons theory provides insights into 2D magnet behavior

Partial success in modeling SrCu2(BO3)2 magnetization process

Abstract

In two-dimensional systems, it is possible transmute bosons into fermions by use of a Chern-Simons gauge field. Such a mapping is used to compute magnetization processes of two-dimensional magnets. The calculation of the magnetization curve then involves the structure of the Hofstadter problem for the lattice under consideration. Certain features of the Hofstadter butterfly are shown to imply the appearance of magnetization plateaus. While not always successfull, this approach leads to interesting results when applied to the 2D AF magnet SrCu2(BO3)2.