Cluster-based Haldane states in spin-1/2 cluster chains

Abstract

The Haldane state is a typical quantum and topological state of matter, which exhibits an edge state corresponding to symmetry-protected topological order in a one-dimensional integer spin chain. Here we propose a concept to design the Haldane state with one-half spins by making use of a chain composed of one-half spin clusters. If the clusters contain two spins, the ground state of a chain corresponds to the Affleck-Kennedy-Lieb-Tasaki state. We thus extend this knowledge to general clusters consisting of not only even, but odd numbers of one-half spins. In the case of an odd number of spins in the clusters, we present a concrete procedure to construct a field-induced Haldane state, and demonstrate the Haldane state in a five-spin cluster chain. Our concept is useful to understand quantum magnetism in real materials such as Fedotovite, consisting of six-spin clusters aligned in one dimension. Furthermore, the edge state designed by our flexible scheme can be utilized for a processing unit of quantum computation with recent progress on intended synthesis of organic materials, quantum dots, and optical lattices.