Spin stiffness and topological defects in two-dimensional frustrated spin systems

Using a collective Monte Carlo algorithm we study the low-temperature and long-distance properties of two systems of two-dimensional classical tops. Both systems have the same spin-wave dynamics (low-temperature behavior) as a large class of Heisenberg frustrated spin systems. They are constructed so that to differ only by their topological properties. The spin stiffnesses for the two systems of tops are calculated for different temperatures and different sizes of the sample. This allows one to investigate the role of topological defects in frustrated spin systems. Comparisons with renormalization group results based on a nonlinear sigma model approach and with the predictions of some simple phenomenological model taking into account the topological excitations are done.