Investigation of possible phase transition of the frustrated spin-1/2 J1-J2-J3 model on the square lattice

Ai-Yuan Hu,Huai-Yu Wang

doi:10.1038/s41598-017-10986-8

Ai-Yuan Hu, Huai-Yu Wang

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-10986-8

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Abstract

The frustrated spin-1/2 J1-J2-J3 antiferromagnet with exchange anisotropy on the two-dimensional square lattice is investigated. The exchange anisotropy is presented by η with 0 ≤ η < 1. The effects of the J1, J2, J3 and anisotropy on the possible phase transition of the Néel state and collinear state are studied comprehensively. Our results indicate that for J3 > 0 there are upper limits {J}_{3}^{c} and ηc values. When 0 < J3 ≤ {J}_{3}^{c} and 0 ≤ η ≤ ηc, the Néel and collinear states have the same order-disorder transition point at J2 = J1/2. Nevertheless, when the J3 and η values beyond the upper limits, it is a paramagnetic phase at J2 = J1/2. For J3 < 0, in the case of 0 ≤ η < 1, the two states always have the same critical temperature as long as J2 = J1/2. Therefore, for J2 = J1/2, under such parameters, a first-order phase transition between the two states for these two cases below the critical temperatures may occur. When J2 ≠ J1/2, the Néel and collinear states may also exist, while they have different critical temperatures. When J2 > J1/2, a first-order phase transition between the two states may also occur. However, for J2 < J1/2, the Néel state is always more stable than the collinear state.

Highlights

The 2D J1-J2 may be used to describe the magnetic properties of some real materials
As a more complicated model, the next-next-nearest-neighbor (NNNN) exchange is added to the J1-J2 model, so as to form the J1-J2-J3 model[31]
Theoretical studied indicated that the classical ground state of the J1-J2-J3 model allowed four ordered phases due to the competing interactions J2/J1 and J3/J134–36, i.e., Néel, collinear and two helicoidal states that were depicted in Fig. 1 of ref

Summary

Introduction

The 2D J1-J2 may be used to describe the magnetic properties of some real materials. Examples are the undoped precursors to the high temperature superconducting cuprates for small α values[26], VOMoO4 for intermediate α values[27], and Li2 VOSiO 4 for large α values[28]. The calculated free energies show that a first-order phase transition between the Néel and collinear states below critical point may occur.

Results

Conclusion