Quantum spin nematics, dimerization, and deconfined criticality in quasi-one dimensional spin-1 magnets

Abstract

We study theoretically the destruction of spin nematic order due to quantum fluctuations in quasi-one dimensional spin-1 magnets. If the nematic ordering is disordered by condensing disclinations then quantum Berry phase effects induce dimerization in the resulting paramagnet. We develop a theory for a Landau-forbidden second order transition between the spin nematic and dimerized states found in recent numerical calculations. Numerical tests of the theory are suggested.