Quantum analogue of the spin-flop transition for a spin pair

Abstract

Quantum (step-like) magnetization curves are studies for a spin pair with antiferromagnetic coupling in the presence of a magnetic field parallel to the easy axis of the magnetic anisotropy. The consideration is done both analytically and numerically for a wide range of the anisotropy constants and spins up to $S \gtrsim 100$. Depending on the origin of the anisotropy (exchange or single-ion), the magnetization curve can demonstrate the jumps more than unity and the concentration of the unit jumps in a narrow range of the field. We also point the region of the problem parameters, where the behavior is quasiclassical for $S = 5$, and where system is substantially quantum in the limit $S \to \infty$.