Antiferromagnetic quantum spin systems can exhibit a transition between collinear and spiral ground states, driven by frustration. Classically this is a smooth crossover and the crossover point is termed a Lifshitz point. Quantum fluctuations change the nature of the transition. In particular, it has been argued previously that in the two-dimensional (2D) case a spin liquid (SL) state is developed in the vicinity of the Lifshitz point, termed a Lifshitz SL. In the present work, using a field theory approach, we solve the Lifshitz quantum phase transition problem for the 2D frustrated XY model. Specifically, we show that, unlike the $SU(2)$ symmetric Lifshitz case, in the XY model, the SL exists only at the critical point. At zero temperature we calculate nonuniversal critical exponents in the N\'eel and in the spin spiral state and relate these to properties of the SL. We also solve the transition problem at a finite temperature and discuss the role of topological excitations.Antiferromagnetic quantum spin systems can exhibit a transition between collinear and spiral ground states, driven by frustration. Classically this is a smooth crossover and the crossover point is termed a Lifshitz point. Quantum fluctuations change the nature of the transition. In particular, it has been argued previously that in the two-dimensional (2D) case a spin liquid (SL) state is developed in the vicinity of the Lifshitz point, termed a Lifshitz SL. In the present work, using a field theory approach, we solve the Lifshitz quantum phase transition problem for the 2D frustrated XY model. Specifically, we show that, unlike the $SU(2)$ symmetric Lifshitz case, in the XY model, the SL exists only at the critical point. At zero temperature we calculate nonuniversal critical exponents in the N\'eel and in the spin spiral state and relate these to properties of the SL. We also solve the transition problem at a finite temperature and discuss the role of topological excitations.

arXiv:1910.09733Physical review. B./Physical review. BJan 9, 20205 citations

First order transition in the random two-dimensional XY model

Mai Suan Li, Marek Cieplak

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First-order transition in 2D classical XY-model

Snehadri Bihari Ota, Smita Ota

Bulletin of the American Physical SocietyMar 12, 20080 citations

SU(2)

symmetric Lifshitz case, in the XY model, the SL exists only at the critical point. At zero temperature we calculate nonuniversal critical exponents in the N\'eel and in the spin spiral state and relate these to properties of the SL. We also solve the transition problem at a finite temperature and discuss the role of topological excitations.