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Square-lattice algebraic spin liquid with SO(5) symmetry
1Department of Physics, Harvard University, Cambridge Massachusetts 02138, USA.
Physical Review Letters
|June 4, 2008
Summary
We propose a critical spin liquid ground state for S=1/2 antiferromagnets. Perturbations break SU(4) symmetry to SO(5), leading to an instability towards a new SO(5) symmetric fixed point. This may describe a transition between Néel and valence bond solid states.
Area of Science:
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Quantum Magnetism
Background:
- S=1/2 antiferromagnets on a square lattice are a key area of research in condensed matter physics.
- Understanding their ground states, particularly exotic phases like spin liquids, is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose and analyze a critical spin liquid ground state for S=1/2 antiferromagnets on the square lattice.
- To investigate the effects of symmetry-breaking perturbations on the "staggered flux" algebraic spin liquid.
Main Methods:
- Renormalization group analysis was employed to study the "staggered flux" algebraic spin liquid.
- Perturbations breaking the global SU(4) symmetry to SO(5) were examined.
Main Results:
- An instability towards a fixed point with SO(5) symmetry was identified at physical parameter values.
- This SO(5) symmetric fixed point is a novel finding in the study of these magnetic systems.
Conclusions:
- The identified SO(5) symmetric fixed point may describe a quantum phase transition.
- This transition could be between the Néel and valence bond solid states.
- The findings relate to the SO(5) nonlinear sigma model proposed by Tanaka and Hu.
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