Random Magnetism in $S=1/2$ Heisenberg Chains with Bond Alternation and Randomness on the Strong Bonds

Abstract

The $S=1/2$ Heisenberg chains with bond alternation and randomness on the strong bonds are studied by the density matrix renormalization group method. It is assumed that the odd-th bond is antiferromagnetic with strength $J$ and even-th bond can take the values $\JA$ and $\JF$ $ (\JA > J > 0 > \JF)$ randomly. The ground state of this model interpolates between the Haldane and dimer phases via a randomness dominated intermediate phase. Based on the scaling of the low energy spectrum and mean field treatment of the interchain coupling, it is found that the magnetic long range order is induced by randomness in the intermediate regime. In the magnetization curves, there appears a plateau at the fractional value of the saturated magnetization. The fine structures of the magnetization curves and low energy spectrum are understood based on the cluster picture. The relation with the recent experiment for (CH$_3)_2$CHNH$_3$Cu(Cl$_x$Br$_{1-x})_3$ is discussed.