Quantum spin liquids: a large-S route

TL;DR

This paper investigates how large spin values influence quantum disorder in Heisenberg antiferromagnets on various lattices, revealing different valence-bond states and quantum interference effects.

Contribution

It introduces a large-S approach to understanding quantum disorder and identifies distinct valence-bond phases and quantum interference effects across different lattice dimensions.

Findings

Zero-point fluctuations lead to valence-bond solid or liquid states.

Quantum interference effects cause different valence-bond liquids for integer and half-integer spins.

The study highlights the significance of quantum melting in valence-bond order.

Abstract

This paper explores the large-S route to quantum disorder in the Heisenberg antiferromagnet on the pyrochlore lattice and its homologues in lower dimensions. It is shown that zero-point fluctuations of spins shape up a valence-bond solid at low temperatures for one two-dimensional lattice and a liquid with very short-range valence-bond correlations for another. A one-dimensional model demonstrates potential significance of quantum interference effects (as in Haldane's gap): the quantum melting of a valence-bond order yields different valence-bond liquids for integer and half-integer values of S.