Magnetic phase diagram and structure of the magnetic phases in the quasi-one-dimensional antiferromagnet BaCu_2Si_2O_7: symmetry analysis

Abstract

We have performed a symmetry analysis of the properties of the recently discovered quasi-one-dimensional compound BaCu_2Si_2O_7. The existence of the unusual spin-reorientation transitions is explained as an effect of the unusually strong relativistic interactions. The possible connection between the magnitude of the relativistic interactions and the low-dimensional structure of the BaCu_2Si_2O_7 is discussed. The structure of the magnetic phases is determined.

REVTEX, 8 pages, 4 Figires V3: misprints fixed, small changes due to the discussion with PRB referee