Can Frustration Preserve a Quasi-Two-Dimensional Spin Fluid?

Abstract

Using spin-wave theory, we show that geometric frustration fails to preserve a two-dimensional spin fluid. Even though frustration can remove the interlayer coupling in the ground-state of a classical anti-ferromagnet, spin layers innevitably develop a quantum-mechanical coupling via the mechanism of ``order from disorder''. We show how the order from disorder coupling mechanism can be viewed as a result of magnon pair tunneling, a process closely analogous to pair tunneling in the Josephson effect. In the spin system, the Josephson coupling manifests itself as a a biquadratic spin coupling between layers, and for quantum spins, these coupling terms are as large as the inplane coupling. An alternative mechanism for decoupling spin layers occurs in classical XY models in which decoupled "sliding phases" of spin fluid can form in certain finely tuned conditions. Unfortunately, these finely tuned situations appear equally susceptible to the strong-coupling effects of quantum tunneling, forcing us to conclude that in general, geometric frustration cannot preserve a two-dimensional spin fluid.

12 pages, 3 figures

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• Quantum phase transitions and dimensional reduction in antiferromagnets with inter-layer frustration
• Reduced dimensionality in layered quantum dimer magnets: Frustration vs. inhomogeneous condensates
• Multiple Magnetic Bilayers and Unconventional Criticality without Frustration in BaCuSi${}_2$O${}_6$
• Exotic magnetic field-induced spin-superstructures in a mixed honeycomb triangular lattice system
• Dimensional crossover in quantum critical metallic magnets
• Condensate-free superfluidity induced by frustrated proximity effect
• Sliding phase in randomly stacked 2D superfluids/superconductors
• Investigating field-induced magnetic order in Han Purple by neutron scattering up to 25.9 T