First-Order Phase Transition with Breaking of Lattice Rotation Symmetry in Continuous-Spin Model on Triangular Lattice

Abstract

Using a Monte Carlo method, we study the finite-temperature phase transition in the two-dimensional classical Heisenberg model on a triangular lattice with or without easy-plane anisotropy. The model takes account of competing interactions: a ferromagnetic nearest-neighbor interaction $J_1$ and an antiferromagnetic third nearest-neighbor interaction $J_3$. As a result, the ground state is a spiral spin configuration for $-4<J_1/J_3<0$. In this structure, global spin rotation cannot compensate for the effect of 120-degree lattice rotation, in contrast to the conventional 120-degree structure of the nearest-neighbor interaction model. We find that this model exhibits a first-order phase transition with breaking of the lattice rotation symmetry at a finite temperature. The transition is characterized as a $Z_2$ vortex dissociation in the isotropic case, whereas it can be viewed as a $Z$ vortex dissociation in the anisotropic case. Remarkably, the latter is continuously connected to the former as the magnitude of anisotropy decreases, in contrast to the recent work by Misawa and Motome [J. Phys. Soc. Jpn. \textbf{79} (2010) 073001.] in which both the transitions were found to be continuous.

11pages, 16figures, accepted to JPSJ

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• Majorana spin liquid and dimensional reduction in Cs2CuCl4
• Arc-shaped structure factor in the $J_1$-$J_2$-$J_3$ classical Heisenberg model on the triangular lattice
• Magnetic correlations in triangular antiferromagnet FeGa${}_2$S${}_4$
• Potts Models with Invisible States on General Bethe Lattices
• Stability of Skyrmion Crystal Phase in Centrosymmetric Distorted Triangular-Lattice Antiferromagnets
• First order transition induced by topological defects in the O(3) principal chiral model
• Potts Models with (17) Invisible States on Thin Graphs
• Second-order phase transition in the Heisenberg model on a triangular lattice with competing interactions
• Engineering a skyrmion crystal in ferromagnetic/antiferromagnetic bilayers free from the DM interaction
• Incommensurate Short-Range Order in $S=1$ Triangular Lattice Ising Antiferromagnet
• Interlayer-Interaction Dependence of Latent Heat in the Heisenberg Model on a Stacked Triangular Lattice with Competing Interactions
• Dimensional crossover and local strain induced deflection of the spin spiral state in multiferroic NiI2