Abstract
We show that the pyrochlore lattice with both Heisenberg and antisymmetric Dzyaloshinsky-Moriya (DM) interactions can order antiferromagnetically into a state with chiral symmetry, dictated by the distribution of the DM interactions. The chiral antiferromagnetic state is characterized by a small staggered magnetic moment induced by the DM interaction. An external magnetic field can also lead to characteristic field-induced ordering patterns, strongly dependent on the field direction, and generally separated by a quantum phase transition from the chiral ordered phase. The phase diagram at finite temperature is also discussed.
- Received 2 May 2005
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.72.014421
©2005 American Physical Society