We consider the Heisenberg antiferromagnet on the square lattice with S=1/2 and very weak easy-plane exchange anisotropy; by means of the quantum Monte Carlo method, based on the continuous-time loop algorithm, we find that the thermodynamics of the model is highly sensitive to the presence of tiny anisotropies and is characterized by a crossover between isotropic and planar behavior. We discuss the mechanism underlying the crossover phenomenon and show that it occurs at a temperature which is characteristic of the model. The expected Berezinskii-Kosterlitz-Thouless transition is observed below the crossover: a finite range of temperatures consequently opens for experimental detection of noncritical 2D XY behavior. Direct comparison is made with uniform susceptibility data relative to the S=1/2 layered antiferromagnet Sr2CuO2Cl2.

Detection of XY Behavior in Weakly Anisotropic Quantum Antiferromagnets on the Square Lattice / A. CUCCOLI; ROSCILDE T.; VAIA R.; VERRUCCHI P.. - In: PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS. - ISSN 0031-9007. - STAMPA. - 90:(2003), pp. 167205-1-167205-4. [10.1103/PhysRevLett.90.167205]

Detection of XY Behavior in Weakly Anisotropic Quantum Antiferromagnets on the Square Lattice

CUCCOLI, ALESSANDRO;
2003

Abstract

We consider the Heisenberg antiferromagnet on the square lattice with S=1/2 and very weak easy-plane exchange anisotropy; by means of the quantum Monte Carlo method, based on the continuous-time loop algorithm, we find that the thermodynamics of the model is highly sensitive to the presence of tiny anisotropies and is characterized by a crossover between isotropic and planar behavior. We discuss the mechanism underlying the crossover phenomenon and show that it occurs at a temperature which is characteristic of the model. The expected Berezinskii-Kosterlitz-Thouless transition is observed below the crossover: a finite range of temperatures consequently opens for experimental detection of noncritical 2D XY behavior. Direct comparison is made with uniform susceptibility data relative to the S=1/2 layered antiferromagnet Sr2CuO2Cl2.
2003
90
167205-1
167205-4
A. CUCCOLI; ROSCILDE T.; VAIA R.; VERRUCCHI P.
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Utilizza questo identificatore per citare o creare un link a questa risorsa: https://hdl.handle.net/2158/203477
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