Variational analysis of a two-dimensional frustrated spin system: emergence and rigidity of chirality transitions

Abstract

We study the discrete-to-continuum variational limit of the $J_1$-$J_3$ spin model on the square lattice in the vicinity of the helimagnet/ferromagnet transition point as the lattice spacing vanishes. Carrying out the $\Gamma$-convergence analysis of proper scalings of the energy, we prove the emergence and characterize the geometric rigidity of the chirality phase transitions.