ABSTRACT
We present quantum Monte Carlo results for a square-lattice S=1/2 XY model with a standard nearest-neighbor coupling J and a four-spin ring exchange term K. Increasing K/J, we find that the ground state spin stiffness vanishes at a critical point at which a spin gap opens and a striped bond-plaquette order emerges. At still higher K/J, this phase becomes unstable and the system develops a staggered magnetization. We discuss the quantum phase transitions between these phases.
ABSTRACT
We find that the pairing correlations on the usual t-U Hubbard ladder are significantly enhanced by the addition of a nearest-neighbor exchange interaction J. Likewise, these correlations are also enhanced for the t-J model when the on-site Coulomb interaction is reduced from infinity. Moreover, the pairing correlations are larger on a t-U-J ladder than on a t-J(eff) ladder in which J(eff) has been adjusted so that the two models have the same spin gap at half filling. This enhancement of the pairing correlations is associated with an increase in the pair-binding energy and the pair mobility in the t-U-J model and points to the importance of the charge-transfer nature of the cuprate systems.