Neutron scattering studies of the spin dynamics in nonlinear and Haldane systems (invited)

Abstract

In 1D magnets contributions to the spin dynamics which are outside the scope of spin-wave theory can be studied theoretically as well as experimentally. Two prominent examples of such effects are discussed here: solitons and the Haldane gap. We discuss inelastic polarized neutron scattering results on the stability of solitons in CsNiF3 and on the existence of the Haldane gap in CsNiCl3. In both cases, the separate determination of the different correlation functions 〈SαSα〉 with α=x,y,z is essential for definite conclusions: Solitons in CsNiF3 appear to be much more stable than expected from classical theories, and the Haldane gap is the only explanation for the observed gaps in CsNiCl3.