Ground-state phases and quantum phase transitions in a two-dimensional spin-1/2 XY model with four-spin interactions

We discuss the ground state phase transition between an antiferromagnet and a valence-bond solid in a two-dimensional spin-1/2 XY model with a four-spin interaction. This transition has been proposed as a candidate for a deconfined quantum-critical point. We analyze quantum Monte Carlo data in order to accurately characterize the transition. The central question that remains to be answered is whether the transition really is continuous, or whether it is actually weakly first-order. We present the current status of both ground state and finite-temperature calculations. Based on the results, we discuss possible scenarios for the transition, none of which is consistent with deconfined quantum-criticality. However, we argue that a deconfined quantum-critical point may be located nearby in an extended parameter space.We also discuss the staggered Ising phase obtaining in the limit of strong four-spin coupling.     

Evidence of double criticality in a fluid model with density-dependent interactions

Evidence of a liquid-liquid equilibrium in simple fluids has recently been exposed for a density-dependent pair potential in the framework of a van der Waals theory. Here this double criticality is investigated by means of computer simulation, a perturbation theory, and integral equation theory. It is found that the critical point estimated from the integral equation thermodynamics is not associated with divergent correlations. To cope with these features, a special simulation procedure, based on the definition of local densities, is devised. Monte Carlo calculations confirm the existence of two critical points, in agreement with the predictions of perturbation theory.     

Tunable deconfined quantum criticality and interplay of different valence-bond solid phases

We use quantum Monte Carlo simulations to study an S = 1/2 spin model with competing multi-spin interactions. We find a quantum phase transition between a columnar valence-bond solid(cVBS) and a Néel antiferromagnet(AFM), as in the scenario of deconfined quantum-critical points, as well as a transition between the AFM and a staggered valence-bond solid(sVBS). By continuously varying a parameter, the sVBS–AFM and AFM–cVBS boundaries merge into a direct sVBS–cVBS transition. Unlike previous models with putative deconfined AFM–cVBS transitions, e.g., the standard J–Q model,in our extended J–Q model with competing cVBS and sVBS inducing terms the transition can be tuned from continuous to first-order. We find the expected emergent U(1) symmetry of the microscopically Z4 symmetric cVBS order parameter when the transition is continuous. In contrast, when the transition changes to first-order, the clock-like Z4 fluctuations are absent and there is no emergent higher symmetry. We argue that the confined spinons in the sVBS phase are fracton-like.We also present results for an SU(3) symmetric model with a similar phase diagram. The new family of models can serve as a useful tool for further investigating open questions related to deconfined quantum criticality and its associated emergent symmetries.     

Ising model with a new class of four-spin interactions

The Ising model on a Union-Jack lattice, described by a Hamiltonian with second-neighbor pair-pair, four-spin, infinite-range interactions is considered. The model is solved exactly and the results are compared with MFA predictions. Within the exact treatment two new classes of phase transitions are obtained. The first one includes transitions from a disordered to a metastable, ordered and then to a stable and ordered phase with decreasing temperature. The metastable phase does not appear if the temperature is increased. The second one contains transitions between ordered and partialy ordered, partialy frustrated phases.     

Exact results of a doubly decorated ising model with four-spin interactions

A doubly decorated Ising model with the crystal-field, two—and four-spin interactions is studied by applying the standard decoration-iteration transformation. Exact results for the critical boundaries, compensation temperatures and magnetization of the system are discussed in detail.     

Ising lattices with four-spin interactions

A derivation is given of the magnetic ground states for the spin-$\text{1}\text{2}$ Ising model with pure four spin interaction on cubic lattices with infinite order parameter dimensionality. The results depend on the periodic boundary conditions that must be used in infinite systems. A new type of boundary condition is thus suggested which enables us to calculate the order parameter dimensionality, with no further assumptions. This system is simpler and gives lower values than those found previously.     

Ising transition in the two-dimensional quantum J1-J2 Heisenberg model

We study the thermodynamics of the spin-S two-dimensional quantum Heisenberg antiferromagnet on the square lattice with nearest (J1) and next-nearest (J2) neighbor couplings in its collinear phase (J(2)/J(1)>0.5), using the pure-quantum self-consistent harmonic approximation. Our results show the persistence of a finite-temperature Ising phase transition for every value of the spin, provided that the ratio J(2)/J(1) is greater than a critical value corresponding to the onset of collinear long-range order at zero temperature. We also calculate the spin and temperature dependence of the collinear susceptibility and correlation length, and we discuss our results in light of the experiments on Li2VOSiO4 and related compounds.     

Solution of an Ising model with two- and four-spin interactions

The Ising model on a hexagonal lattice with nearest-neighbor and certain four-spin interactions is solved exactly. The critical behaviors are the same as those of the nearest-neighbor Ising models.     

Yangian symmetry in molecule {V6} and four-spin Heisenberg model

The symmetry operator Q = Y² is introduced to re-describe the Heisenberg spin triangles in the {V6} molecule, where Y stands for the Yangian operator which can be viewed as special form of Dzyaloshinsky–Moriya (DM) interaction for spin 1/2 systems. Suppose a parallelogram Heisenberg model that is comprised of four -spins commutes with Q, which mean that it possesses Yangian symmetry, we show that the ground state of the Hamiltonian H₄ for the model allows to take the total spin S = 1 by choosing some suitable exchange constants in H₄. In analogy to the molecule {V6} where the two triangles interact through Yangian operator we then give the magnetization for the theoretical molecule “{V8}” model which is comprised of two parallelograms. Following the example of molecule {V15}, we give another theoretical molecule model regarding the four -spins system with total spin S = 1 and predict the local moments to be , respectively.     

Evidence for an unconventional universality class from a two-dimensional dimerized quantum heisenberg model

The two-dimensional J-J' dimerized quantum Heisenberg model is studied on the square lattice by means of (stochastic series expansion) quantum Monte Carlo simulations as a function of the coupling ratio alpha=J'/J. The critical point of the order-disorder quantum phase transition in the J-J' model is determined as alpha_c=2.5196(2) by finite-size scaling for up to approximately 10 000 quantum spins. By comparing six dimerized models we show, contrary to the current belief, that the critical exponents of the J-J' model are not in agreement with the three-dimensional classical Heisenberg universality class. This lends support to the notion of nontrivial critical excitations at the quantum critical point.     

Planar classical Heisenberg model with biquadratic interactions

Seven coefficients in the high temperature series expansions for the zero-field susceptibility and the specific heat are derived for the planar classical Heisenberg model with biquadratic interactions. The critical temperatures and the susceptibility exponents are determined for cubic lattices.     

Magnetic quantum criticality in quasi‐one‐dimensional Heisenberg antiferromagnet

We analyze exciting recent measurements [Phys. Rev. Lett. 114 (2015) 037202] of the magnetization, differential susceptibility and specific heat on one dimensional Heisenberg antiferromagnet Cu(C₄H₄N₂)(NO₃)₂ (CuPzN) subjected to strong magnetic fields. Using the mapping between magnons (bosons) in CuPzN and fermions, we demonstrate that magnetic field tunes the insulator towards quantum critical point related to so‐called fermion condensation quantum phase transition (FCQPT) at which the resulting fermion effective mass diverges kinematically. We show that the FCQPT concept permits to reveal the scaling behavior of thermodynamic characteristics, describe the experimental results quantitatively, and derive for the first time the (temperature—magnetic field) phase diagram, that contains Landau‐Fermi‐liquid, crossover and non‐Fermi liquid parts, thus resembling that of heavy‐fermion compounds.     

Quantum fluctuations in a two-dimensional antiferromagnet with four-spin interaction of cubic symmetry

The excitation spectrum of a non-Heisenberg 2D antiferromagnet with the four-spin interaction of cubic symmetry has been calculated in the first order of 1/2S. It has been shown that, for weak anisotropy, the Néel state is destroyed by quantum fluctuations. The phase diagrams showing the stability regions of the Néel phase in the space of spin-anisotropy parameters have been plotted.