Phase transitions and relaxation characteristics of Quantum Magnets and Quantum Glasses

Abstract

An overview is presented of the phase changes as well as certain relaxation characteristics of model quantum magnets, magnetic glasses and proton glasses. Although the systems considered are quite varied, they are connected by the common themes of tunneling, transverse Ising model, long-ranged interactions and above all, the occurrence of quantum phase transitions. Because the interactions are long-ranged, mean-field theory is eminently suitable for analyzing both the equilibrium and nonequilibrium properties. Wherever pertinent, detailed comparisons with experimental data have been presented.

Keywords:

• Quantum magnet
• Quantum glass
• Transverse Ising model
• Quantum phase transition

Acknowledgements

V.B. acknowledges the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research of the Government of India for a research grant.