Novel massive ground states of spin chains in a magnetic field

Novel massive quantum states appearing in spin chains under a strong magnetic field are discussed. These states lead to plateaus in magnetization curves. When the systems are axially symmetric and the field is applied parallel to the symmetry-axis, the phenomena are analogous to metal-insulator transitions. Striking features of the plateau phenomena - exactness and rationality - are explained as consequences the commensurability condition to the underlying lattice. The effects of the planar anisotropy are also discussed in detail. Received: 16 February 1998 / Revised: 20 April 1998 / Accepted: 30 April 1998