Nonlinear Field Theory of Large-Spin Heisenberg Antiferromagnets: Semiclassically Quantized Solitons of the One-Dimensional Easy-Axis Néel State

Abstract

The continuum field theory describing the low-energy dynamics of the large-spin one-dimensional Heisenberg antiferromagnet is found to be the O(3) nonlinear sigma model. When weak easy-axis anisotropy is present, soliton solutions of the equations of motion are obtained and semiclassically quantized. Integer and half-integer spin systems are distinguished.