Intrinsic double-peak structure of the specific heat in low-dimensional quantum ferrimagnets

Abstract

Motivated by recent magnetic measurements on A3Cu3(PO4)4 (A=Ca,Sr) and Cu(3-Clpy)2(N3)2 (3-Clpy=3-Chloropyridine), both of which behave like one-dimensional ferrimagnets, we extensively investigate the ferrimagnetic specific heat with particular emphasis on its double-peak structure. Developing a modified spin-wave theory, we reveal that ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic dual features of ferrimagnets may potentially induce an extra low-temperature peak as well as a Schottky-type peak at mid temperatures in the specific heat.