Global Phase Diagrams of Frustrated Quantum Antiferromagnets in Two Dimensions: Doubled Chern-Simons Theory

 Title: Global Phase Diagrams of Frustrated Quantum Antiferromagnets in Two Dimensions: Doubled Chern-Simons Theory Author: Xu, Cenke; Sachdev, Subir Note: Order does not necessarily reflect citation order of authors. Citation: Xu, Cenke, and Subir Sachdev. 2009. Global phase diagrams of frustrated quantum antiferromagnets in two dimensions: doubled Chern-Simons theory. Physical Review B 79(6): 064405. Full Text & Related Files: 0811.1220v2.pdf (609.7Kb; PDF) Abstract: We present a general approach to understanding the quantum phases and phase transitions of quantum antiferromagnets in two spatial dimensions. We begin with the simplest spin liquid state, the $$Z_2$$ spin liquid, whose elementary excitations are spinons and visons, carrying $$Z_2$$ electric and magnetic charges respectively. Their dynamics are expressed in terms of a doubled $$U(1)$$ Chern-Simons theory, which correctly captures the 'topological' order of the $$Z_2$$ spin liquid state. We show that the same theory also yields a description of the variety of ordered phases obtained when one or more of the elementary excitations condense. Field theories for the transitions and multicritical points between these phases are obtained. We also survey experimental results on antiferromagnets on the anisotropic triangular lattice, and make connections between their phase diagrams and our results. Published Version: doi:10.1103/PhysRevB.79.064405 Other Sources: http://arxiv.org/abs/0811.1220v2 Terms of Use: This article is made available under the terms and conditions applicable to Open Access Policy Articles, as set forth at http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:HUL.InstRepos:dash.current.terms-of-use#OAP Citable link to this page: http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:HUL.InstRepos:7459594