Analytical and Numerical Studies of Quantum Plateau State in One Alternating Heisenberg Chain

By using the coupled cluster method and the numerical density matrix renormalization group method, we investigate the properties of the quantum plateau state in an alternating Heisenberg spin chain. In the absence of a magnetic field, the results obtained from the coupled cluster method and density matrix renormalization group method both show that the ground state of the alternating chain is a gapped dimerized state when the parameter α exceeds a critical point αc. The value of the critical points can be determined precisely by a detailed investigation of the behavior of the spin gap. The system therefore possesses an m = 0 plateau state in the presence of a magnetic field when α > αc. In addition to the m = 0 plateau state, the results of density matrix renormalization group indicate that there is an m = 1/4 plateau state that occurs between two critical fields in the alternating chain if α > 1. The mechanism for the m = 1/4 plateau state and the critical behavior of the magnetization as one approaches this plateau state are also discussed.