The nearest-neighbor resonating-valence bond state in a Grassmannian form

The nearest-neighbor resonating-valence bond (NNRVB) state is studied using classical anticommuting (Grassmann) variables. The classical partition function corresponding to the self-overlap of the NNRVB wavefunction is generated from a local (bond) Hamiltonian expressed in terms of four anticommuting variables. It is shown that the one-particle-per-site constraint introduces an interaction term which is a local product of all four variables. Two approaches are applied to study this Hamiltonian: (i) a self-consistent field decoupling scheme and (ii) a systematic perturbation expansion around the unconstrained soluble point. Bounds on the norm of the wavefunction are derived. Extensions to the presence of holes, long-range valence bonds, and the introduction of phase fluctuations [which violate the Marshall sign rule and yield aU(1) gauge theory] are discussed.     

Size dependence of phase transition temperatures of ferromagnetic ,ferroelectric and superconductive nanocrystals

With the miniaturization of devices, size and interface effects become increasingly important for the properties and performances of nanomaterials. Here, we present a thermodynamic approach to the mechanism behind size-induced unusual behavior in the phase stabilities of ferromagnetic (FM), antiferromagnetic (AFM), ferroelectric (FE), and superconductive (SC) nanocrystals, which are different dramatically from their bulk counterparts. This method is based on the Lindemann criterion for melting, Mott’s expression for the vibrational melting entropy, and the Shi model for the size-dependent melting temperature. Simple and unified functions, without any adjustable parameter, are established for the size and interface dependences of thermal and phase stabilities of FM, AFM, FE and SC nanocrystals. According to these analytic functions, as the size of nanocrystals is reduced, the thermal and phase stabilities may strengthen or weaken, depending on the confluence of the surface/volume ratio of nanocrystals and the FM(AFM, FE or SC)/substrate interface situations. The validity of this model is confirmed by a large number of experimental results. This theory will be significant for the choice of materials and the design of devices for practical application.      

Nonlinear behavior of electromagnetic waves on surface of antiferromagnet

The properties of the nonlinear TM waves on the interface between a dielectric and an antiferromagnet are studied. The relationship between the field components of TM wave is discussed in detail, and the dispersion characteristics as well as the position of the peak field are exposed. The theoretical analysis shows that for the nonlinear TM waves there exist passband(s) and stopband(s) which can be switched into each other by varying the power. It is revealed that, in the case of , the nonlinear TM waves on the interface are backward surface waves with the group and phase velocities opposite. Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 69477020).     

Magnetic structure and thermodynamic properties of TmPtIn

Physical properties of TmPtIn have been investigated by means of magnetic, electrical transport, calorimetric as well as neutron diffraction measurements. The compound crystallizes in the hexagonal ZrNiAl-type crystal structure. It orders antiferromagnetically below T_N = 3.5 K with the Tm magnetic moments confined to the basal hexagonal plane. They form a non-collinear “triangular” magnetic structure that may be described by the propagation vector . At 1.6 K, the Tm magnetic moment is equal to 5.59(9)μ_B. The antiferromagnetic character of the electronic ground state is reflected in the low temperature behaviors of the magnetic susceptibility and the specific heat, which may be described by spin-wave theory of antiferromagnetic magnons with linear dispersion relation. The compound exhibits metallic character of electrical conduction.