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Topological Order in an Antiferromagnetic Tetratic Phase

Daniel Abutbul and Daniel Podolsky
Phys. Rev. Lett. 128, 255501 – Published 23 June 2022
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Abstract

We study lattice melting in two-dimensional systems of spinful particles that interact antiferromagnetically. We argue that, for strong spin interactions, single lattice dislocations are forbidden by magnetic frustration. This leads to a melting scenario in which a tetratic phase, containing free dislocation pairs and bound disclinations, separates the solid from the liquid. We demonstrate this phase numerically in a system of hard spheres confined between parallel plates, where spins are represented by the heights of the spheres. In the tetratic phase, the spins are shown to be as antiferromagnetically ordered as allowed by their spatial configuration.

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  • Received 19 December 2021
  • Revised 11 April 2022
  • Accepted 2 June 2022

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.128.255501

© 2022 American Physical Society

Physics Subject Headings (PhySH)

Condensed Matter, Materials & Applied PhysicsStatistical Physics & ThermodynamicsPolymers & Soft Matter

Authors & Affiliations

Daniel Abutbul and Daniel Podolsky

  • Physics Department, Technion, 32000 Haifa, Israel

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Issue

Vol. 128, Iss. 25 — 24 June 2022

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