Phase structure and universality in two-dimensional disordered quantum antiferromagnets

Abstract

Two-dimensional disordered quantum antiferromagnets are studied by means of a continuum description in which disorder is introduced by a random distribution of couplings (spin stiffnesses) in the ordered phase of the Nonlinear Sigma Model. Quenched soliton (skyrmion) correlation functions are evaluated and used, along with the quenched magnetization, to characterize the phase structure of the system. When magnetic dilution is exponentially suppressed, the introduction of disorder only modifies the subleading terms in the large distance behavior of the soliton correlation functions, yielding the same skyrmion energy as in the pure case. The system is in a ``hard'' disordered N\'eel phase similar to the ordered antiferromagntic phase occurring in the pure case. Conversely, when magnetic dilution is not exponentially suppressed, the large distance behavior of the correlation functions is drastically changed. The system exists in a new phase in which the energy of quantum skyrmions is equal to zero in spite of the existence of a nonvanishing antiferromagnetic order parameter. This ``soft'' disordered N\'eel phase is characterized by universality classes which are determined by the behavior of the distribution of random couplings in the small coupling region. The possible relation of this phase with spin glasses is briefly discussed.