Quantum and classical correlations in antiferromagnetic chains and the realization of Werner states with spins

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We investigate pairwise correlation properties of the ground state (GS) of finite antiferromagnetic (AFM) spin chains described by the Heisenberg model. The exchange coupling is restricted to nearest neighbor spins, and is constant J₀ except for a pair of neighboring sites, where the coupling J₁ may vary. We identify a rich variety of possible behaviors for different measures of pairwise (quantum and classical) correlations and entanglement in the GS of such spin chain. Varying a single coupling affects the degree of correlation between all spin pairs, indicating possible control over such correlations by tuning J₁. We also show that a class of two spin states constitutes exact spin realizations of Werner states (WS). Apart from the basic and theoretical aspects, this opens concrete alternatives for experimentally probing non-classical correlations in condensed matter systems, as well as for experimental realizations of a WS via a single tunable exchange coupling in a AFM chain.