Spin versus bond correlations along dangling edges of quantum critical magnets

Dangling edge spins of two-dimensional quantum critical antiferromagnets display strongly enhanced spin correlations with scaling dimensions that fall outside of the classical theory of surface critical phenomena. We provide large-scale quantum Monte Carlo results for both spin-correlation and bond-correlation functions for the case of the columnar dimer model in particular. Unlike the spin correlations, we find the bond correlations to differ starkly between the spin-1/2 and spin-1 case. Furthermore, we compare the corresponding scaling dimensions to recent theoretical predictions. These predictions are, in part, supported by our numerical data, but cannot explain our findings completely. Our results thus put further constraints on completing the understanding of dangling edge correlations, as well as surface phenomena in strongly correlated quantum systems in general.

Automated summary

This passage discusses the strongly enhanced spin correlations of dangling edge spins in two-dimensional quantum critical antiferromagnets, as well as the differences from classical theory, particularly in the case of the columnar dimer model. The study also reveals stark differences in bond correlations between spin-1/2 and spin-1 cases, and compares the scaling dimensions to recent theoretical predictions. While the predictions partially align with numerical data, they cannot completely explain the findings, further constraining the understanding of dangling edge correlations and surface phenomena in strongly correlated quantum systems.