Ferrimagnetism and metal—insulator transition in an organic polymer chain

Abstract

The ferrimagnetism and quantum phase transition of a bipartite lozenge periodic Anderson-like organic polymer, in which the localized f electrons hybridize with the odd site conduction orbitals, are investigated by means of Green's function theory. The ground state turns out to be gapless ferrimagnetism. At a finite temperature, the ferrimagnetic-to-paramagnetic phase transition takes place. The Kondo screenings and Ruderman—Kittel—Kasuya—Yosida (RKKY) interaction can reduce and increase the transition temperature, respectively. Two Kondo screenings compete with each other, giving rise to the localized f electron spin screened antiferromagnetically. Accordingly, in a magnetic field, all spins are aligned along the chain easily, which is associated with metal—insulator transition. Furthermore, in a temperature-field plane, we reveal the gapless and spin polarized phases, which are characterized by susceptibility and specific heat, and whose behaviours are determined by the competition between the up-spin and down-spin hole excitations.