Quantum Lifshitz Field Theory of a Frustrated Ferromagnet

Leon Balents and Oleg A. Starykh
Phys. Rev. Lett. 116, 177201 – Published 27 April 2016
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Abstract

We propose a universal nonlinear sigma model field theory for one-dimensional frustrated ferromagnets, which applies in the vicinity of a “quantum Lifshitz point,” at which the ferromagnetic state develops a spin wave instability. We investigate the phase diagram resulting from perturbations of the exchange and of magnetic field away from the Lifshitz point, and uncover a rich structure with two distinct regimes of different properties, depending upon the value of a marginal, dimensionless, parameter of the theory. In the regime relevant for one-dimensional systems with low spin, we find a metamagnetic transition line to a vector chiral phase. This line terminates in a critical end point, beyond which there is at least one multipolar or “spin nematic” phase. We show that the field theory is asymptotically exactly soluble near the Lifshitz point.

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  • Received 2 November 2015

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.116.177201

© 2016 American Physical Society

Physics Subject Headings (PhySH)

Condensed Matter, Materials & Applied PhysicsStatistical Physics & Thermodynamics

Authors & Affiliations

Leon Balents1 and Oleg A. Starykh2

  • 1Kavli Institute of Theoretical Physics, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106, USA
  • 2Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA

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Issue

Vol. 116, Iss. 17 — 29 April 2016

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