Quantum critical behavior driven by Hund’s rule coupling in quantum antiferromagnets

Abstract

When localized spins on different $d$ orbitals prefer different types of antiferromagnetic ordering, the Hund's rule coupling creates frustration. Using spin-wave theory we study the case of two such orbitals on a square lattice coupled through Hund's rule such that the first one couples antiferromagnetically more strongly to its nearest neighbors, while the second couples more strongly to its next nearest neighbors. We find that the zero temperature phase diagram has four regions: one characterized by the familiar $(\ensuremath{\pi},\ensuremath{\pi})$ antiferromagnetic order, a second by the columnar $(\ensuremath{\pi},0)$ order, a third by a canted order, and a fourth region where a quantum-disordered state emerges. We comment on the possible relevance of these findings for the case of Fe-pnictide-based antiferromagnets.