Ground state of S=1 zigzag spin-orbital chain

Abstract

We investigate ground-state properties of a $t_{\rm 2g}$-orbital Hubbard model on a zigzag chain relevant for CaV$_{2}$O$_{4}$, by exploiting numerical techniques such as Lanczos diagonalization and density-matrix renormalization group. Assuming a V$^{3+}$ ion, a local spin $S$=$1$ state is formed by two electrons in the $t_{\rm 2g}$ orbitals. That is, the system is a Haldane system with active $t_{\rm 2g}$-orbital degrees of freedom. We observe orbital-state transitions, yielding a distinct spin system under the orbital-ordered background. We also discuss the orbital structure induced by open edges, originating in the spatial anisotropy of the $t_{\rm 2g}$ orbitals.