Low-temperature thermodynamics of one-dimensional alternating-spin Heisenberg ferromagnets

Abstract

Motivated by a novel bimetallic chain compound in which alternating magnetic centers are ferromagnetically coupled, we investigate thermodynamic properties of one-dimensional spin-$(S,s)$ Heisenberg ferromagnets both numerically and analytically. On the one hand, quantum Monte Carlo calculations illuminate the overall thermal behavior. The specific heat may exhibit a double-peaked structure at intermediate temperatures for $S\agt 3s$ in general. On the other hand, a modified spin-wave theory precisely describes the low-temperature properties. Expanding the specific heat and the magnetic susceptibility, we reveal an analogy and a contrast between mixed-spin ferromagnets and ferrimagnets.