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Main Authors: O'Brien, Matthew C., Fradkin, Eduardo
Format: Preprint
Published: 2026
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Online Access:https://arxiv.org/abs/2606.00211
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author O'Brien, Matthew C.
Fradkin, Eduardo
author_facet O'Brien, Matthew C.
Fradkin, Eduardo
contents The phase diagram of the two-dimensional quantum $J_1$-$J_3$ Heisenberg antiferromagnet on a square lattice is a long-standing open problem. Despite recent advances in numerical techniques for quantum spin models, a detailed analytical theory is still lacking. We address this problem using a semiclassical approach based on a continuum nonlinear sigma model effective field theory, applying the nonperturbative large-$N$ technique to map out the phase diagram and determine the magnetic correlations. We show that previously-overlooked interactions are crucial for stabilizing a vestigial nematic phase, both at finite and zero temperature. Our results reveal that the spontaneous breaking of global symmetries in the $J_1$-$J_3$ model is controlled by the strength of infrared quantum fluctuations which are enhanced by proximity to the classical Lifshitz point.
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id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2606_00211
institution arXiv
publishDate 2026
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spellingShingle Vestigial Nematic Order at Zero Temperature in Two-Dimensional Frustrated Quantum Antiferromagnets
O'Brien, Matthew C.
Fradkin, Eduardo
Strongly Correlated Electrons
The phase diagram of the two-dimensional quantum $J_1$-$J_3$ Heisenberg antiferromagnet on a square lattice is a long-standing open problem. Despite recent advances in numerical techniques for quantum spin models, a detailed analytical theory is still lacking. We address this problem using a semiclassical approach based on a continuum nonlinear sigma model effective field theory, applying the nonperturbative large-$N$ technique to map out the phase diagram and determine the magnetic correlations. We show that previously-overlooked interactions are crucial for stabilizing a vestigial nematic phase, both at finite and zero temperature. Our results reveal that the spontaneous breaking of global symmetries in the $J_1$-$J_3$ model is controlled by the strength of infrared quantum fluctuations which are enhanced by proximity to the classical Lifshitz point.
title Vestigial Nematic Order at Zero Temperature in Two-Dimensional Frustrated Quantum Antiferromagnets
topic Strongly Correlated Electrons
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2606.00211