Year: 2007
Type: article
Abstract: We investigate the classical counterpart of an effective Hamiltonian for a strongly trimerized kagome lattice. Although the Hamiltonian only has a discrete symmetry, the classical groundstate manifold has a continuous global rotational symmetry. Two cases should be distinguished for the sign of the exchange constant. In one case, the groundstate has a 120^\circ spin structure. To determine the transition temperature, we perform Monte-Carlo simulations and measure specific heat, the order parameter as well as the associated Binder cumulant. In the other case, the classical groundstates are macroscopically degenerate. A thermal order-by-disorder mechanism is predicted to select another 120^\circ spin-structure. A finite but very small transition temperature is detected by Monte-Carlo simulations using the exchange method.
Authors: A Honecker, D C Cabra, H-U Everts, P Pujol, F Stauffer
Language: English
Subfield: Condensed Matter Physics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
Award: G3961570152
OpenAlex ID: W2050504071