Quantum Spin Fluctuations for a Distorted Incommensurate Spiral

Abstract

Quantum spin fluctuations are investigated for the incommensurate state of a geometrically- frustrated triangular-lattice antiferromagnet. With increasing anisotropy, the average suppression of the spin by quantum fluctuations is reduced but the distorted spiral becomes more elliptical. Quan- tum fluctuations also increase the wavevector of the spin state and enhance the critical anisotropy above which a collinear spin state is stabilized. An experimental technique is proposed to isolate the effect of quantum fluctuations from the classical distortion of the spiral.