Spin correlations in a two-dimensional Heisenberg antiferromagnet doped with static holes

Quantum impurities in the two-dimensional spin one-half Heisenberg antiferromagnet

The study of randomness in low-dimensional quantum antiferromagnets is at the forefront of research in the field of strongly correlated electron systems, yet there have been relatively few experimental model systems. Complementary neutron scattering and numerical experiments demonstrate that the spin-diluted Heisenberg antiferromagnet La2Cu1-z(Zn,Mg)(z)O4 is an excellent model material for square-lattice site percolation in the extreme quantum limit of spin one-half. Measurements of the ordered moment and spin correlations provide important quantitative information for tests of theories for this complex quantum-impurity problem.

Long-range order and low-energy spectrum of diluted 2D quantum antiferromagnet

The problem of a diluted two-dimensional quantum antiferromagnet on a square lattice is studied using spin-wave theory. The influence of impurities on static and dynamic properties is investigated and a good agreement with experiments and Monte Carlo data is found. The hydrodynamic description of spin waves breaks down at characteristic wavelengths Lambda greater than exp(const/x), x being an impurity concentration, while the order parameter is free from anomalies. We argue that this dichotomy originates from strong scattering of the low-energy excitations in two dimensions.