From Neel long-range order to spin-liquids in the multiple-spin exchange model

TL;DR

This study uses exact diagonalizations to explore how four-spin exchange interactions on a triangular lattice can destroy Neel order and induce a spin-liquid phase, revealing complex phase transitions and magnetization plateaus.

Contribution

It demonstrates that four-spin exchange interactions can destabilize Neel order and generate a distinct spin-liquid phase with specific magnetization plateaus, expanding understanding of quantum phases in spin models.

Findings

Four-spin exchange destroys Neel order, creating a spin-liquid phase.

Spin-liquid phase exhibits a spin gap and multiple singlets.

Magnetization plateaus at 1/3 and 1/2 are observed, linked to specific orderings.

Abstract

The phase diagram of the multiple-spin exchange model on the triangular lattice is studied using exact diagonalizations. The two-spin (J_2) and four-spin (J_4) exchanges have been taken into account for 12, 16, 19, 21, 24, and 27 site samples in the parameter region J_4=0 - 0.25 (for a fixed J_2=1). It is found that the three-sublattice N\'eel ordered state built up by the pure two-spin exchange can be destroyed by the four-spin exchange, forming a spin-liquid state. The different data suggest that the phase diagram in this range of parameters exhibits two phases. The pure J_2 phase is a three-sublattice Neel ordered phase, a small J_4 drives it into a spin-liquid state with a spin gap filled of a large number of singlets. This spin-liquid phase is not of the same generic kind as the phase studied by Misguich et al. [Phys. Rev. B 60, 1064 (1999)]. It is observed on the finite-size samples that the spin liquid phase, as the Neel ordered phase, exhibits a magnetization plateau at m = 1/3, and for J_4 >0.15 a second plateau atm=1/2. These two plateaus are associated respectively to the semi-classical orderings uud and uuud.